SUMMER ALREADY? Shock as June flowers bloom months early because of mild winter
PLANT experts have been left astonished after summer varieties began flowering months early because of the mild winter temperatures.
All these flowers, which usually bloom in the summer, have sprung up already in Cornwall
Not only has the unseasonably mild climate brought out spring species such daffodils, primroses and rhododendrons early, but gardeners have reported summer planet already in bloom.
Cornwall, which is experiencing some of the mildest temperatures in the UK, has seen the most unusual planet flowering, including Brugmansia in full flower in the first few days of the new year.
Iain Davies, head of gardens and estate at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mavagissey, said: “Seeing a Brugmansia in full flower in January, in an outside garden in Great Britain is simply astonishing; as it really shouldn’t be happening.
Experts say it is unheard of to see brugmansia flower in January
flower arranging with Mark at Hazel Grove Flowers
Seeing a Brugmansia in full flower in January, in an outside garden in Great Britain is simply astonishing; as it really shouldn’t be happening
"Normally we are looking at snowdrops and cyclamen at this time of year and early rhododendrons and spring blooms are the stories, but we are actually seeing Wachendorfias, Beschorneria yuccoides, Kniphofias and Cestrums; all flowing out of sync.
"If we now have a cold snap in the weather, the danger is that all this lush growth and bloom will be harshly cut back and could lead to losses or further unseasonal flowering; it’s going to be an interesting year.”
Gardeners are not the only people shocked by the mild weather.
Retail giant Next has blamed it on poor sales of its winter collection in the run up to Christmas.
Temperatures are expected to cool into January.
An array of flowers have bloomed early at the gardens