Foxglove, Rhododendron and Cotoeaster

[jennyb]

I have Foxglove, Rhododendron and Cotoneaster flowering in my garden at the moment. What's going on

The calendar says September, my body thinks November and the flowers think June.

Confused.

Jenny

[KeenTeen17]

I am surprised about the foxglove because most I have seen up here in the North have gone past seed stage and are now decomposing! Rhododendron near me is flowering as well - only about 3 flowers on a big bush though. I think it has a second flowering period like burnt orchid and bistort.

[Hedge Witch]

Hi Jenny - a couple of days ago I too noticed a foxglove flowering in my garden - smaller than usual, but definitely a foxglove. I'll read this thread with interest. HW

[mantajohn9]

There is a report in todays Independent about spring flowers flowering early which may be due to the excessive rainfall. I noticed over the summer that in the east of the country Horse Chesnut trees were either dropping their leaves really early or that some horrible diseasey thing has taken hold. I've not noticed here in the south west or effecting any other tress other than Horse Chesnut. Anyone seen anything similar?

[JennyS]

I saw some very diseased-looking Horse Chestnuts when I was in Dorset and Hampshire last week

[diapasonbill]

Originally Posted by mantajohn9

I noticed over the summer that in the east of the country Horse Chesnut trees were either dropping their leaves really early or that some horrible diseasey thing has taken hold. I've not noticed here in the south west or effecting any other tress other than Horse Chesnut. Anyone seen anything similar?

Hello Mantajohn9, I don't wish to divert the thread, but I think you are refering to 'Leaf Miner', do a search on 'Cameraria ohridella', it has certainly been in my garden (nr Ipswich) for 2 or 3 years now.

Bill.

[underwoood]

I think it's ok for the foxglove. I've seen the wild foxglove flowering in august in scotland.

[jennyb]

Originally Posted by underwoood

I think it's ok for the foxglove. I've seen the wild foxglove flowering in august in scotland.

But we are at least 400 miles south of Scotland. This is also a wild foxglove - seeded itself into one of my flowerbeds. I have never seen them flowering at this time.

Luckily our horse chestnuts are okay, but I have noticed that our ash trees are not dropping their leaves yet. They normally start dropping in August here. It must be all the rain. The lawn seems to be growing at about 6 inches per week!

Jenny