Alan Titchmarsh, the renowned gardener and TV presenter, has urged gardeners to plant perennials now to ensure a 'glorious year of colour' in their gardens. In a recent TikTok video, he shared expert advice on selecting the right plants for specific conditions, emphasizing the importance of checking soil type and sunlight requirements.
Why Perennials Are a Smart Choice
Perennials, which live for more than two years, are a popular choice because they return year after year, providing lasting beauty. Titchmarsh explained that now is the perfect time to plant them, but gardeners must consider their garden's unique conditions.
'How do you decide what to plant? Well, you pick things you like the look of,' Titchmarsh said. 'But you also check, 'cause there's lots of information on labels, that they will like your soil and situation. Soil well drained, moisture retentive, dry, whatever - check that they'll be happy with that, and then of course, sun and shade.'
Best Plants for Shady Spots
For shaded areas, Titchmarsh recommended hostas as a top choice. 'Plants for shade? Few are better than hostas. They can cope with sun as well but they really do well in shade - and you see the colour of those leaves so brilliantly,' he noted.
He also suggested lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis), which features leaves that hold water like 'globules of quicksilver' and produces lime green flowers in summer. 'A really good doer will cope with almost any kind of soil,' he added.
Another shade-tolerant option is variegated polemonium, commonly known as Jacob's Ladder, named for its leaf shape. 'That will do too in dappled shade,' Titchmarsh said.
Sun-Loving Herbaceous Perennials
For sunnier spots, Titchmarsh highlighted herbaceous perennials, which die down to ground level in winter but flourish in spring and summer. 'The majority of plants though; herbaceous perennials. Herbaceous, meaning they die down to ground level come the winter, but in spring and summer, they're glorious. And most of them love and are very happy in full sun,' he explained.
Key Tips for Success
In the caption accompanying his video, Titchmarsh reiterated: 'Now is the perfect time to plant perennials, but choosing the right plant for the right spot makes all the difference. Always check plant labels for soil type and sun or shade preferences before planting. For shady areas, hostas, lady's mantle, and polemonium are excellent choices, bringing beautiful foliage and seasonal colour. Most herbaceous perennials, however, thrive in full sun, rewarding you with vibrant displays year after year.'
By following these tips, gardeners can enjoy a vibrant and colourful garden throughout the year, tailored to their specific outdoor conditions.
