What to do in November in the garden
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If you’re still looking for something to add to your garden this month, remember, this is the best time of year to plant California natives. Find a nursery that specializes in natives for the best selection. Although some of the local plants are making their way into mainstream nurseries and home centers, they typically do not do well with the standard garden center regimes and therefore the selection is limited.
Be sure to do your homework to successfully plant your choice in the right location. Just because it is a native doesn’t necessarily mean it will thrive anywhere! There are natives that prefer cool, wet places as well as drought tolerant ones. Some cannot stand water at all in the summer and will not tolerate being located by other plants that require weekly watering. Many natives will look their best with a little water during the hot months, so your success will depend on making sure to provide the optimum growing conditions.
Most natives require excellent drainage that is not typical in many yards. Amending the soil will be required in some cases or consider growing them on a hillside.
Some native plants that should be planted now are Mimulus hybridus (monkeyflower bush), Ceanothus (California lilac), Lavatera assurgentiflora (Califonia tree mallow), Salvia clevelandii (Cleveland sage) and Rhus integrifolia (Lemonade berry).