The soil retains a decent amount of heat, despite the morning frosts. I did my last planting a week or two ago, although I've heard of some around here that use the end of October as their deadline. It also depends on specifically what you're hoping to still plant, i.e. the size and maturity, etc.

I agree with CPG :-) Frosts typically are not an issue, provided the plants are fully hardy for your zone. You may very well see foliar damage or dieback when planting late season but that is a weather/season related phenomenon more than anything else.

FWIW, I plant whenever I have the time, year round, as long as the ground is not frozen or overly saturated. I've done this for years, both in my own garden and for clients. I just recently moved to a new garden and have barely begun planting......I expect to be doing so all winter. Granted I am a zone higher, but it is unlikely you would experience any issues with substantially frozen soil in zone 7 and certainly not yet!

IMHO, if the plants are fully hardy and the soil is workable, in zone 7, 8 or above, you are not really restricted by the calendar.

Living in NC since 1968 (originally in Morganton near you and then in the Triad), I can say you can plant as long as the ground isn't frozen. Mulching after planting will help the ground temps remain higher longer into the winter and prevent any heaving.

Okay, thanks everyone. I just had to make sure as I have a garden phlox, scabiosa, and carnatian collections coming still. Also, a butterfly bush. I was going to call and ask for a rush on the order. I ordered it in May, and they still keep pushing back the shipping dates.

I just planted 40 TB irises on Friday, but wanted to check with perennials.

Thanks so much,
Danielle

I am also in NC and still planting perennials. The most important thing is to cut the plant back a bit so that it doesn't try to flower -- and keep the plant WATERED.

IMHO it is the lack of watering, not frost that will prohibit the root development in our zone 7.

This is the perfect time of year to direct sow seeds here in our zone, too. I will be planting my asclepias, gaillardia, eryngium, echinacea and centranthus ruber seeds at the end of October.

It is still too warm and I don't want the seeds to germinate yet. Perennial seeds that need cold stratification (put in the refrigerator) do well with direct sowing in the fall here.

I will also sow my annual seeds for spring blooms- larkspur, poppies, nigella, etc. at the same time that I plant my allium bulbs.

As for shrubs and trees, we plant those anytime that the ground is workable. I actually prefer to plant shrubs and trees in November and late February.

Cameron