November is still one of the best planting months in the Valley. The soil stays warm into the month, so trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers get a long start before summer. Frost can come any time after Thanksgiving, and young plants feel it first. Spring is the ideal time for frost-tender shrubs like bougainvillea and lantana. If you plant one now, cover it on freeze nights. Cactus and agave root slowly as the soil cools, so spring suits them better. Pick up frost cloth before the first freeze warning. New plants still need water every few days for the first weeks. Established plants need much less water as nights cool.
In November
- Plant trees and shrubs early in the month, before frost season starts.
- Keep frost cloth, old sheets and a few foam cups ready for the first cold night.
- Water the day before a forecast freeze, except cactus and succulents, which should stay dry.
- Move tender potted plants under a big evergreen tree or a covered porch on cold nights.
Best choices to plant in November
Most plants can go in the ground in most months with the right care. These are the ones that do best when planted in November. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Trees for November planting
- Fruitless Olive Tree, one of its best months
- Southern Live Oak, one of its best months
- Texas Mountain Laurel, one of its best months
- Evergreen Elm, one of its best months
- Mastic Tree, one of its best months
- Native Mesquite, one of its best months
- Hong Kong Orchid Tree
- Ironwood
Shrubs for November planting
- Green Hopseed, one of its best months
- Orange Jubilee Bush, one of its best months
- Orange Jubilee Staked, one of its best months
- Purple Hopseed, one of its best months
- White Iceberg Rose, one of its best months
- Yellow Bells, one of its best months
- Photinia, one of its best months
Aloes, yuccas and other succulents for November planting
Perennials and groundcovers for November planting
- Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue', one of its best months
Ornamental grasses for November planting
- Regal Mist (Pink Muhly Grass), one of its best months
Vines for November planting
- Cat Claw Vine, one of its best months
Fruit and citrus trees for November planting
Is November too late to plant in Phoenix?
No. November is still one of the best months for trees, shrubs and perennials. Spring suits frost-tender plants and cactus better.
When does frost start in Phoenix?
Frost can come any time after Thanksgiving. Freeze warnings run from the end of November until mid to late February.
Should I water before a freeze?
Yes for most plants, since moist soil holds heat. Keep cactus and succulents dry.
How cold can my plants take?
It depends on the plant's age and where it sits. Young plants and pots get hit first, and some spots in a yard run colder than others.
Sedona, the Verde Valley and Globe (about 3,000 to 4,500 feet)
November is one of the best months to plant hardy native trees and shrubs, like mesquite, acacia, Texas mountain laurel and Texas ranger. Frost-tender plants should wait until spring.
Best choices to plant in November
These plants we carry do well planted in November at this elevation. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Trees for November planting
- Evergreen Elm, one of its best months
- Italian Cypress, one of its best months
- Chitalpa, one of its best months
- Bubbalicious Desert Willow, one of its best months
- White Crape Myrtle, one of its best months
- Bonita Ash, one of its best months
Shrubs for November planting
- White Iceberg Rose, one of its best months
- Dwarf Yaupon Holly, one of its best months
- Japanese Boxwood, one of its best months
- Pink Iceberg Rose, one of its best months
- Gold Spot Euonymus, one of its best months
- Black Dalea, one of its best months
Perennials and groundcovers for November planting
- Blackfoot Daisy, one of its best months
- Russian Sage, one of its best months
- Gaura pink, one of its best months
- Damianita, one of its best months
- Firecracker Penstemon, one of its best months
- Autumn Sage - Hot Pink, one of its best months
Vines for November planting
- Hacienda Creeper, one of its best months
Ornamental grasses for November planting
- Regal Mist (Pink Muhly Grass), one of its best months
- Giant Lily Turf, one of its best months
- Deer Grass, one of its best months
- Mexican Thread Grass, one of its best months
- Purple Fountain Grass, one of its best months
- Autumn Glow, one of its best months
Prescott, Chino Valley and Payson (about 4,500 to 6,000 feet)
November is still a good month for hardy trees and shrubs, and bare-root plants can go in from now through March. In a dry winter, water rooted plants about once a month and evergreens about every 2 weeks.
Best choices to plant in November
These plants we carry do well planted in November at this elevation. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Trees for November planting
Shrubs for November planting
Perennials and groundcovers for November planting
Ornamental grasses for November planting
Flagstaff and Show Low (6,000 feet and up)
November is too cold to plant in the mountains. In dry spells with no snow, water rooted trees and shrubs about once a month, early in the day.
Higher and cooler parts of Arizona this month
Towns above the Valley get colder winters, so planting times shift. Here is what changes this month.
Sedona, the Verde Valley and Globe (about 3,000 to 4,500 feet)
November is one of the best months to plant hardy native trees and shrubs, like mesquite, acacia, Texas mountain laurel and Texas ranger. Frost-tender plants should wait until spring.
Prescott, Chino Valley and Payson (about 4,500 to 6,000 feet)
November is still a good month for hardy trees and shrubs, and bare-root plants can go in from now through March. In a dry winter, water rooted plants about once a month and evergreens about every 2 weeks.
Flagstaff and Show Low (6,000 feet and up)
November is too cold to plant in the mountains. In dry spells with no snow, water rooted trees and shrubs about once a month, early in the day.
Planning ahead or catching up? See what to plant in October and what to plant in December.
Just planted? See how to water new plants in Phoenix.
Cold night coming? See frost protection for Valley yards: which plants need covering, how to cover them and what to do after a freeze.