Observation by Mr. John Disney: I had roses blooming in December 2015 on our property in Masset on Haida Gwaii (see Figure 1). We have never seen roses blooming later than September. I have been on Haida Gwaii for 50 years We live just south of Alaskan border.
LEO BC Comment: This observation of roses blooming in December could represent a seasonal shift in the phenology of roses in Northern Haida Gwaii. John Disney's 50 year history Haida Gwaii lends particular credence to this observation. This is an ornamental garden rose, meaning this is a hybrid rose species. Shifts in the seasonal timing, or phenology of at least seven wild rose species are tracked through the National Phenological Network, through their Nature's Notebook program. Tracking of ornamental roses might be equally useful. Record warmest ocean and atmosphere conditions in the northeast Pacific coast and ocean in 2015 (see Figure 2) is a conspicuous explanation for this late season blooming, and this also means warmer coastal air temperatures. The year 2015 was also the warmest year on record globally. Therefore, John Disney's observation of late rose blooming in 2015 is consistent with such new climate conditions.
-- Dr. Thomas Okey, Ocean Integrity Research and University of Victoria
Comment by Dr. Richard Hebda: I have no specific experience on Haida Gwaii concerning roses. But it is relatively common to find some roses blooming in December on the south coast and certainly mild sites on the west side of Vancouver Island. Usually there are a few ragged flowers, though sometimes there may be a fine one too and certainly buds. Sometimes they rot because of the rain. Basically in oceanic settings until night time temperatures hit good frosts, some roses will continue blooming. At this time of the year the difference in temperature between open coast in the south and north is probably not too great, Differences may arise when there is a strong arctic outflow form the mainland in the north. That being said we have had exceptionally warm night time temperatures this fall until now. And last year was very mild too. So maybe it’s all about the timing of the first arctic outflow. Based on the map, looks to me like a mild oceanic situation so I am not surprised. -- Dr. Richard Hebda, Curator of Botany and Earth History, Royal British Columbia Museum
Observations From Members 