November marks a distinct transition point in the floral calendar, shifting from the final bursts of autumn color to the preparations for winter. Flower availability is highly dependent on a region’s climate, particularly the difference between temperate zones experiencing early frost and warmer regions. This seasonal shift means available options generally fall into two categories: those hardy enough to withstand the cold outdoors and those brought in through commercial cultivation. The selections available in North American and European markets reflect this blend of outdoor resilience and indoor forcing.
Flowers That Tolerate the Cold
The approach of colder weather highlights plants that possess natural resistance to light frost, allowing them to provide color late into the season. These hardy varieties are often used to replace summer annuals in late-season container gardens and landscape beds. Their ability to thrive as temperatures drop makes them a reliable source of color when most other garden blooms have faded.
Chrysanthemums (Mums) are prominent November flowers, with many varieties bred to bloom well after the first light frosts. Their dense, layered petals hold up well against cool, damp conditions, extending their bloom period well into the month. Pansies and Violas, members of the Viola genus, are also highly valued for their exceptional cold tolerance. They flourish in cool temperatures, often pausing their bloom during the deepest cold but remaining green and ready to resume flowering during mild winter spells.
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale (Brassica oleracea) provide significant visual interest, appealing through foliage rather than true flowers. The vibrant pink, purple, and white pigments in their centers intensify dramatically as the temperature drops below 50°F. These plants can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F once acclimated, providing a long-lasting structure and color that complements the fading landscape. Their resilience makes them a popular choice for ground cover and mixed planters that need to last through Thanksgiving.
Commercially Grown Holiday Blooms
As the outdoor growing season ends, a significant portion of November’s floral supply is sustained through advanced commercial horticulture. These blooms are not naturally in season but are forced or cultivated indoors to meet the market demand leading up to the winter holidays. This controlled environment cultivation ensures a predictable and consistent supply of high-quality flowers regardless of the local weather.
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), while associated with December, begin their widespread commercial availability in November. The plant’s striking red, white, or pink “petals” are actually modified leaves called bracts, which are induced to change color by controlling the plant’s light exposure. Similarly, various spring-flowering bulbs are forced into bloom early for the holiday market.
Amaryllis and Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) are widely available as bulbs in November, specifically timed for indoor forcing. Amaryllis bulbs typically take six to eight weeks from planting to bloom, while Paperwhites often take a shorter three to five weeks. Planting in early to mid-November is the perfect window if blooms are desired for the Christmas season.
Cut flowers like Roses and Carnations are consistently available due to extensive greenhouse operations. These operations are often located in equatorial regions like Colombia and Ecuador, leveraging optimal year-round growing conditions to supply global markets.
Essential Late-Season Foliage and Berries
With fewer flowers naturally blooming, November arrangements rely on textural elements, durable foliage, and colorful berries for structure and interest. These components offer longevity and a distinctive autumnal aesthetic. They are harvested in late autumn when their stems have hardened and their colors are most saturated.
Hypericum berries, known for their clusters of bright red, green, or pink drupes, are a staple in November bouquets, adding color and a unique, rounded texture. Ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass or dried wheat, are often incorporated for their vertical lines and soft, airy movement. These grasses are typically dried or harvested when fully mature, providing a durable element that contrasts with softer blooms.
Seeded Eucalyptus is a highly popular component, favored for its silvery-green, durable leaves and small, textured seed pods. Its robust nature and subtle fragrance make it an excellent, long-lasting filler that is commercially available year-round. Durable branches, such as those from oak or maple trees that hold their bronze and russet leaves, are also commonly used.