Castle's Mexican plant rare bloom

One of the tree dahlias has grown to 12ft (3.6m) tall

Two plants from Mexico have flowered in Powys for the first time in years thanks to the mild autumn weather, says a castle's head gardener.

The tree dahlias were planted at Powis Castle in Welshpool in 2001 and 2006, and are supposed to flower in November and December.

But they have rarely been in bloom because the frost has killed them off.

Gardener Adrian Lovett claimed it was a "subtle clue to how climate change is slowly changing our landscape".

Mr Lovett added the autumn weather had provided "perfect conditions" for the tree dahlias to flourish.

The older tree dahlia stands at 12ft (3.6m) and is providing a "surprise splash of colour", said the National Trust, which runs Powis Castle.

Mauve petals

Mr Lovett said: "The wet, frost-free autumn we've had this year has offered perfect conditions for our tree dahlia to flourish.

"The flowering of such plants is a subtle clue to how climate change is slowly changing our landscape, with many flowers blooming deep into winter.

"Although it's considered quite unusual to see the tree dahlia bloom in areas like mid Wales, it may be a common sight in the future."

The plant's pink and mauve petals produce a fragrance which is often compared to vanilla cookies.

The species, which originates from Mexico, normally flowers in November or December, but a spell of cold weather or frost will prevent the flowers from blooming, said the National Trust.

The castle's gardens close for the season on 29 November.