© Oliver Dixon/RHSA spectacular surge of colour is expected in UK gardens after April's unusual cold spell held back blooms by three weeks, says the RHS.
A spectacular surge of colour is expected to sweep across UK gardens after April's cold spell held back blooms by three weeks, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has found.
Described by the world's leading gardening charity as the 'seasonal compression' effect, gardeners could see a prolonged flowering of both spring and summer plants in a 'colourful crossover' - but it isn't expected to last long.
While April's chill helped preserve spring favourites such as daffodils, tulips and cherry blossom, the RHS expects this month's sunny spell will cause late spring and summer flowers to rush into bloom over the next few days.
Speaking about the compression effect, RHS Chief Horticulturist Guy Barter says: 'With so much growth and flowering held up by the cold April nights, the flowering and growing season can be compressed. This means that when the weather turns around, all the pent-up growth and flowers will come out in a rush leading to a brief but colourful crossover of spring and summer flowers.'
© Oliver Dixon/RHS Horticulturalist Tom King tends to collections in the Alpine Display House at RHS Garden Wisley This seasonal phenomenon arrives just in time for the opening of RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, Greater Manchester. Curator Marcus Chilton-Jones, the garden team lead, has planted around 80,000 bulbs to fill the new beds and borders with spring colour. As well as these gorgeous blooms, the rising temperature could see summer herbaceous plants and shrubs make an early arrival too.
© Oliver Dixon/RHS Horticulturist Callum Munro-Faure admires the Puya Chilensis blooming for only the second time in its history at RHS Garden Wisley Elsewhere, 45,000 new white-flowered Camassia 'Silk River' are expected to burst into bloom in the coming weeks at the new RHS Hilltop, which opens in June. Meanwhile, over at Wisley, Curator Matthew Pottage is hoping that a rare Puya chilensis in the glasshouse will hold on to delight visitors next week.
© Oliver Dixon/RHS Horticulturalist Alessandra Sana pictured amongst the Camassias at RHS Garden Wisley Over in Devon, the woodland valley situation of RHS Garden Rosemoor has sheltered its collection of camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and magnolias from damaging spring frosts. Enjoying an extended flowering season, curator Jonathan Webster is hopeful that the two famous Rose Gardens are on track for a spectacular summer of flower. Make sure you book your ticket if you want to see it for yourself...
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