With average daily temperatures around the city hovering near 10 degrees Celsius since last week, flowers in Shanghai have become confused.

Sakuras and gardenias have bloomed at the Shanghai Botanic Garden 15 to 20 days ahead of their normal flowering season, officials at the garden said yesterday.

“It’s very rare for such flowers to blossom in February,” said Zhao Yingying.

Plum blossoms in the garden cannot adapt to the warm weather, so their flowering season has shortened, said Zhao.

The mild winter may not be good for spring flowers, according to Li Xuemei, director of the garden.

“The biological clock of the plants has been disturbed,” said Li. “The blooming effect of those flowers that blossom ahead of time may not be satisfactory, and they may wither as soon as a cold front hits the city.”

The mild winter has also created problems for the Peach Blossom Festival in Nanhui District, which is held at the end of March or the beginning of April every year.

source : www.shanghaidaily.com