May ambiguity

There’s an old saying: “ne’er cast a clout ’til May be out”, which means don’t put off your winter clothes too soon.

There’s debate about the meaning of “May” in this saying.  Does it mean to wait until the end of the month (because May has notoriously fickle weather), or until the may blossoms (becasue it won't do so until it's properly warm)?

This is ambiguous most years, because the may usually blossoms in April.  Not this year.  April was freezing, literally: there were several frosts, and a bitter north wind.  May has been only a little warmer, and very wet.  So the may is blossoming now, and both meanings hold.  If things go on like this, I’ll still be wearing woollies come June!

late blossoming may