Climate change sees roses bloom earlier than ever at Chartwell House

“The lack of cold snaps has given plants an early boost, accelerating growth across the garden,” he added.

“We saw our first rose in flower as early as March, something that would normally come much later.”

Sophie Bolesworth/National Trust

It is a similar story at other southerly NT gardens, such as Mottisfont in Hampshire.

Officially donated to the trust in June 1972, it has seen regular changes to flowering patterns ever since, with peak blooming periods moving forward by the equivalent of one day every two-and-a-half years.

Head gardener Rob Ballard said: “After a very wet, warm winter, including 42 consecutive days of rain at the start of this year, the roses got off to an early start.

“Then warm spells in April accelerated growth, and in 2026 they’re flowering earlier than we can remember.”

The changing climate also means Ballard’s team has had to adapt the way the rose garden, and the wider site, is managed, from caring for the soil to pruning roses differently.