Gardeners’ Top Picks November 2019
Fall is the perfect time to check out all the color in the gardens! Our garden team has hand selected their top plant picks for November from 8 of our distinct gardens. Use this as your guide as you explore the grounds.
Sourwood (Oxydendron arboreum)
Bloom Time: June – July
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Wildlife: Bees
Tolerates: Deer
Native to North America: Yes
Other: Source of sourwood honey. Fragrant flowers. Brilliant red fall color.
Zones: 5 – 9
Location: Howe Garden
Hardy Mum (Chrysanthemum ‘Rustic Glow’)
Bloom Time: October – November
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Bees & butterflies
Tolerates: Salt
Native to North America: No
Other: Great for last season pollinator food!
Zones: 4 – 9
Location: Burr Garden
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘National Arboretum’)
Bloom Time: September – November
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Medium – wet
Wildlife: Bees & butterflies
Tolerates: Drought & erosion
Native to North America: No
Other: Provides fall and winter interest. Used for floral arrangements.
Zones: 5 – 9
Location: Color Garden
Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)
Bloom Time: July – November
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Wildlife: Bees & butterflies
Tolerates: Drought, deer & some shade
Native to North America: Yes
Other: Plant for late season pollinator food. Good cut flower.
Zones: 3 – 9
Location: Wills Perennial Garden
Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’)
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Wildlife: Bees & butterflies
Tolerates: Drought & erosion
Native to North America: Yes
Other: Four season interest! Magnificent fall color.
Zones: 3 – 9
Location: Frist Learning Center
Devil’s Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa – Fruit)
Bloom Time: July – August
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Wildlife: Birds & bees
Tolerates: Drought & poor soil
Native to North America: Yes
Other: The fruit (drupe) attracts the cardinal, cedar waxwings, fox, skunk, and bear.
Zones: 4 – 9
Location: Herb Study Garden
Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera – Fruit)
Bloom Time: June
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Tolerates: Drought & poor soil
Native to North America: Yes
Other: The seeds of the fruit are edible, however it takes a lot of effort for very little return.
Zones: 4 – 9
Location: Robinson Family Water Garden
Balsam Aster (Aster ageratoides ‘Ezo Murasaki’ )
Bloom Time: October – November
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Butterflies & bees
Tolerates: Frost
Native to North America: No
Other: Great plant for woodland areas.
Zones: 4 – 8
Location: Robinson Family Water Garden/ Weaver Walk
