Still flowering

A couple of nights ago the temperature here went below zero (to -2c) for the first time. So next day I had a serious go at lifting some of the borderline hardy plants to overwinter them in my shed. I hadn't lifted them before because so many were still flowering. In the process of going round the garden I recorded about 30 different plant types, which were still flowering to some degree.

First prize has to go to Cirsium rivulare, which started on 8 May and was still flowering, without a break, on 30 October - I haven't looked since. I am discounting Hesperis matronalis (Sweet Rocket) which started on 8 May and is still going, as the baton has been passed between several different plants and I am not sure how long any one plant has been going for. Joint second prize has to go to Geranium Patricia, Geranium Ann Folkard and Salvia microphylla, all of which started flowering on 12 June and are still flowering today. One week behind is Geranium Rozanne, which started on 19 July, and still going. Another contender is Centranthus (Red Valerian), which started on 8 May and still has a little flower today, but had a 4 week holiday in July when it was cut back.

Any other contenders out there for long flowering?

 

I'm not as good as you at keeping records, Peter! Wonder if anyone else is?

 

I may keep records Dendy - but no-one can beat you for speed. 3 minutes to reply - now that is impressive :D

It is not quite as accurate as it sounds. I just go round once a week and check that all plants are present and correct and that nobody has legged it over the wall!

 

Well done, Peter. I don't keep accurate records but I think I will next year. In my garden, the longest in flower this year have been the Welsh poppies, red campion and some of the hardy geraniums which are all still going well.

 

Thanks Hornbeam. I suppose I keep records being a scientist turned accountant. That what accountants do - list things and tick them. :D I keep a list of plants, in combination with the information that I pick about them, on a spreadsheet, which I print out. it is then very easy to go round once a week and note if they are in bud, partial flower, full flower, or seed heads. I started it as part of a learning process. I enjoy doing it and I have found that it keeps me in touch with the plants, you notice their first buds and first flowers as well as knowing exactly where they all are in the garden.

As far as the long flowering aspect is concerned, when I started gardening, not that long ago, I assumed that everyone would be chasing that as an objective. But on reflection, without records you can't. I will now go and Google Welsh poppies - I has always assumed that poppies only flowered for a short period.

 

I saw one in flower again when at a customer's garden a week ago - but I don't think that's usual. I'm pretty certain it's the same as my cornflowers - it's seed from the first lot that have come up and flowered too - just hope we have seed in the ground that will come up next year too! :D
(BTW, Mr D is worse than you - scientist turned tax inspector :eek: :D )

 

BTW - thanks for that, Peter! Pity it wasn't a useful answer, though! There was one time when I was in a section, and a new-comer posted, I answered, she got it and thanked me, all within 5 minutes!! Is this a record?