HOLLAND, Ohio — This year’s weather has been marked by extreme shifts, from record-breaking heat to prolonged droughts, leaving Ohio’s plants and trees struggling to adapt. WTOL 11 visited Nature’s Corner to investigate why some flowers are blooming in November, a time typically reserved for colder weather.
The droughts this summer and fall, combined with unseasonably warm temperatures in November, have caused confusion for many plants. These weather extremes could have long-term effects on the upcoming spring season.
Jenny Amstutz, store manager at Nature’s Corner, explained that the flowers appearing now won’t last. “The buds that are blooming now won’t reopen in the spring,” she said. “It’s not normal for flowers to bloom this late, but it won’t harm the plant.”
While the sight of blooming flowers might be unsettling, Amstutz reassures that it’s not a cause for concern. “The flowers you see now won’t last through the cold snap, but they won’t affect the plant’s ability to bloom again in the spring,” she added.
The back-and-forth weather has stressed plants, with many struggling to cope with the heat and dryness, especially those that haven’t received enough water. “Plants have definitely been stressed this year,” Amstutz said. “If they didn’t get enough water, particularly young plants, they’ve had a tough time.”
She emphasized the importance of deep watering, especially for newly planted trees and shrubs. “We always stress that new plants need plenty of water to establish themselves,” she said.
As colder weather settles in, Amstutz advises plant owners to monitor their plants closely. If the forecast predicts no rain, she suggests giving plants one last deep watering. “When the ground freezes, it should be moist, not dry. Dry soil can be damaging to plants,” she explained.
With the unpredictable weather showing no signs of slowing down, Ohio’s plants will continue to face challenges as they prepare for the winter months.
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