I live in Southern California, a mile or less from the ocean as a crow flies, so it's a very mild climate, and I've read that one can get away with planting late in the season because of this. (And that some plants prefer it.) I do know that fall is a perfect time to plant California natives/wildflowers, but that citrus should wait. I went a bit gung ho at a garden sale today, and bought a bunch of plants, mostly drought tolerant to some degree. But I'm not sure if I should go ahead and put all the plants directly in the ground ASAP, or if I should keep any in their pots over the winter. Also, if it's ok to plant, are there special considerations when planting in Autumn as opposed to Spring? If they should stay in pots, is there any particular over-winter care I should keep in mind for these? Any advice would be appreciated! Here's my list of newbies: Lavandula stoechas 'Winter Bee' Lavandula dentata Phormium 'Pink Stripe' Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Gazania rigens Mandevilla (I've heard these should overwinter indoors - but not sure if that applies to my climate) Cordyline australis 'Red Sensation' Cistus x hybridus Salvia leucantha Salvia officinalis Lantana montevidensis Lantana camara, various hybrids --Lori
You are one of the lucky ones to be able to have those plants in your zone. I plant all the time in fall and out temps get a lot colder. Roots are still growing , even though the foliage isn't. I just bought some tulips and a hellebore and was told to plant the hellebore, or lenten Rose, now and cover with mulch so that the roots will stay warm and have some moisture before temps get even lower here in Boise.
Most elongation of existing roots occurs in fall, 60% of annual total. Newly planted stock should always be mulched at planting and kept mulched thereafter. The exception is heat-loving vegetables, perhaps a few other kinds where it may be desirable for the soil to be left exposed to the sun.
Absolutely, I'm definitely going to mulch everything well. Thanks, everyone! I'm so glad I don't have to wait! :)
