The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced that flowers are set to bloom for longer this autumn due to the cooler summer weather. The cool temperatures over spring and summer resulted in many plants being slow to establish, so they haven’t been drought or temperature-stressed and have been able to put their energy into prolonged flowering.
Recent warm spells followed by rain have also brought on early flowering autumn bulbs such as autumn crocuses and cyclamen, providing extra splashes of color.
“Whilst the summer has been frustratingly wet for many of us this has made ideal flowering conditions for a number of late summer plants, not least the dahlia,” says Tim Upson, RHS director of gardens & horticulture. “This gorgeous, and occasionally rather extravagant, garden plant, along with many others will be putting on stunning displays throughout September at all five RHS Gardens – extending the joy of summer for everyone.”
Dahlias have now come through, and this year’s RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show is hosting the National Dahlia Society’s annual competition, in which growers compete in over 100 dahlia classes providing a spectacular display of over 5,000 blooms.
The effect is being seen at all five RHS gardens across the country, and these plants will be at their peak as summer turns to autumn and, with proper care, they’ll continue to bloom well into October.
Some of the best flowers to plant in September for an extended autumn display include:
1. English marigold (Calendula officinalis) – sow direct for May flowering
2. Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) – sow in modules or direct for early spring flowers
3. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) – sow in September for an early spring display
4. Queen Anne’s lace (Ammi majus) – sow direct or in modules for bigger, better early summer flowers
5. Poppies (Papaver spp.) – sow direct or in modules for an early summer display
With the right conditions and care, gardeners can enjoy a vibrant and extended autumn flowering season this year.