Varying temperatures cause early bloom in flowers

WASHINGTON – It makes sense, considering the recent weather, that the cherry trees think it’s spring – and they’re not alone.

Carole Bordelon, horticulturist at the National Arboretum, says D.C. area residents may see flowers outside, including snow drops and even some daffodils.

“A lot of the plants that are blooming are spring bloomers, so they don’t need that much chilling,” explains Bordelon.

She says the moisture from Sandy, followed by cold temperatures and then warm 70- degree days, would fool anyone.

“That will trick some things into thinking it’s time to bloom, but generally it’s only sporadic and it won’t hurt the plants,” says Bordelon.

For now, the blooming flowers are a small preview of what’s to come.

WTOP’S Megan Cloherty contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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