The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says that flowers are set to bloom for longer this autumn due to the cooler summer weather.

Cool temperatures over spring and summer resulted in many plants being slow to establish this year, so they haven’t been drought or temperature-stressed and have been able to put their energy into prolonged flowering.

Meanwhile, recent warm spells followed by rain have brought on early flowering autumn bulbs such as autumn crocuses and cyclamen, providing extra splashes of colour.

“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.