Why are things starting to flower now?

[DeathMetalMum]

I have been waiting for my hebe to show signs of flower all summer. I knew it was late summer flowering but no signs what so ever. Three weeks ago flowers started appearing! I planted it for bees mainly. Now I wasn't hugely surprised at the late flowering just a little disappointed. Well this week the rose in the front (south facing) now has about 8 buds on, after having a really good flower early spring/summer. Do I let it flower of is it really going to ruin flowering for next year if I let the rose flower now?

Plants react to warmth and light. For example Daffodils almost in bud will halt their growth if there is a sudden cold snap and snow.
Temperature and water will have affected the Hebe. The late flowering will still benefit the bees because a lot of their food sources have finished flowering.
Don’t worry about the rose, many flower throughout winter when it is mild. Monty debunked the pruning regime for roses and recommends pruning in the spring.
Enjoy any out of season flowers.

It is nice to have a late bonus. In my sheltered garden I have roses that flower even in December. Currently I have Chrystamemums showing off to everything else and, not to be out done, a honeysuckle has flowered.

My Acers which have usually started to drop their leaves by now are still in full colour. No flowers, this year, on my Hebes though

It's a lovely bonus. Snapdragons which I deadheaded last month are flowering again, verbena is still going strong. A shrub which I bought cheaply a couple of years ago has finally started to grow & now has beautiful scented white flowers. All doing far better than the sedums which have now faded.

I have Nasturtiums growing again now. And shoots which look suspiciously like Daffodils!

We were driving along the A11 yesterday and there were lots of red poppies in flower, seemed odd seeing them late October

Our Choisya ternata is flowering again and a white hebe. The daffodil bulbs are also already showing progress.

My lilac tree, which flowers late April/early May and sheds pretty much in May half term is having a second wind!

A couple of my rhododendrons are flowering. It is odd.

But it has also been very warm. I can recall not many years ago going away for October half term and when we landed back at Gatwick there was snow on the car.

In the south it’s not unusual to have roses flowering in December.
I’ve just nursed one back to health in my new garden and it’s flowering well.
Looks beautiful too!

I have just been out to my compost heap and it's covered in flowering Nasturtiums! This is Scotland btw. Unheard of!