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What’s in Bloom? November at RBG

October 28, 2024

What Blooms in November?

Note: this is a general guide of what typically blooms this month at RBG. Bloom periods may vary by up to 2 weeks. For the best view of what’s blooming right now at RBG, see the current photos on RBG’s Instagram, or find the “Bloom Watch” section on the What’s in Bloom page.

We’re nearing the end of a fantastic season of bright fall foliage enriched with deep red, orange, and golden hues. November is the perfect time to grab a warm beverage from the Tea House, explore the winding garden pathways and listen to the crunch of fall leaves underfoot. Many blooms have finished for the season, but around every corner there is still plenty of plant interest to enjoy!

At the Arboretum, fall colours make their finale. Despite November winds oak trees remain in peak colour during the first two weeks of November in brilliant shades of orange and red. The Synoptic Shrub Collection is not to be missed with seasonal shrubs with colourful fruit such as Dwarf Burning Bush and Deciduous Holly Winterberry.

Witch-hazel, a native forest understory shrub species is among the most common species in the oak dominated forests of RBG’s nature sanctuaries with the yellow flowers quite distinctive against the forest setting.

  • close up of bright yellow witch hazel flower
  • Tall oak tree with burnt orange leaves
  • Close up of burning bush shrub bearing clusters of fruits that are bright pink with red centres
  • Deciduous holly winterberry shrub with clusters of small red fruit along the stems

Pictured, left to right: Witch-hazel, Oak Tree, Dwarf Burning Bush, Deciduous Holly Winterberry

Deep within the lower bowl of the Rock Garden you’ll find stunning Japanese and Korean Maples showcasing brilliant red and orange ombré leaves. Willowleaf Sunflower brings golden delight and continues to impress as a cold-hardy perennial. Keep an eye out for Blue Holly – an evergreen hybrid holly with attractive clusters of deep red berries, you’ll can why it is popular for winter holiday décor!

  • Arched footbridge over empty river water feature. A bright orange Korean maple tree stands in the background
  • bright golden yellow flowers that look like daisies
  • blue-purple hood-shaped blooms of Monkshood blooming tall
  • Korean Maple tree with soft yellow and orange leaves

Pictured, left to right: Lower Rock Garden, Willowleaf Sunflower, Monkshood, Korean Maple Tree

The rejuvenation project of the Mediterranean Garden continues! You’ll find new plantings that bring bright colours and interesting textural form along with diversity to our growing collection. This indoor garden blooms through the winter, creating an ideal escape from the cold. This month, you’ll find Bromeliads, Bird of Paradise, Lantanas, and many more plants in bloom. Winter is citrus season and you’ll surely be able to smell the sweet delicate blooms and fruits!

  • A lush indoor Mediterranean garden with a variety of tropical and subtropical plants, including tall palms, ferns, and vibrant flowering plants. A wooden bench sits in the middle of a stone path, inviting visitors to rest and enjoy the green, tranquil atmosphere. The glass walls and ceiling let in natural light, illuminating the rich foliage and colorful flowers throughout the garden.
  • Close-up of vibrant tropical foliage showcasing a variety of leaf shapes and colors. Striking green and white striped canna leaves stand out alongside bright lime green leaves, while vivid pink and green bromeliad flowers add a splash of color
  • bromeliad with thick, broad leaves. The flower spike is composed of bright pink bracts with small purple flowers
  • citrus grove

Pictured, left to right: Lower Mediterranean Garden, Calathea ‘White Star’, Bromeliad ‘Del Mar’, Citrus Grove.

Over in Hendrie Park, the Rose Garden is well past its peak though pops of colour continue to delight against the deep shades of orange and red from the surrounding trees. While most blooms have finished for the season, Monkshood stands out along Oak Allée. Ornamental grasses can really pack a punch this time of year. Contrasting textures and shapes create interest throughout the fall into the winter!

Laking Garden is now closed.

November Favourites

forest with golden leaves and sun casting through the trees
Photo by Lexy Henderson

Fall Colour Finale

RBG’s location allows for an extended season to enjoy. Our gardens and trails are full of deep late-autumn hues.

Plants of Interest in November at RBG

  • Monkshood
  • Beautyberry
  • Snowberry
  • Holly
  • Witch Hazel
  • Citrus trees (Mediterranean Garden)
  • Christmas cactus (Mediterranean Garden)
  • Euphorbia sp. (Mediterranean Garden)

Blooms by Season

Plants of interest are ever-changing in RBG’s five cultivated garden areas and nature sanctuaries. Learn what’s blooming now or see the blooms calendar for a rough estimation of what to expect each season.