As the UK braces for a fourth heatwave within two months, with temperatures expected to reach 35°C in some areas, gardeners are seeking ways to protect their plants. Alan Titchmarsh, the renowned gardening expert and former Gardeners' World presenter, has highlighted a low-maintenance shrub that can withstand the challenging conditions.
Euonymus: a resilient shrub for sun and shade
Titchmarsh, 77, described the euonymus as “one of the unsung heroes of the garden.” In a video on his YouTube channel, he pointed to a small euonymus, specifically the Euonymus emerald gaiety, noting it grows to about waist height and is evergreen. He explained, “It's really useful, happy in almost any soil, sun or shade.” The plant also features a creamy white leaf edge, while a variety called emerald and gold has a yellow edge. Titchmarsh added that if the shrub hits a wall, its stems begin climbing upward, making it a versatile “good doer” that can create a deep ground cover under trees and tolerate shady conditions.
Additional gardening tips for potatoes
Previously, Titchmarsh offered advice on potato cultivation, emphasizing a critical task before August. He told House Beautiful that potatoes planted in spring can be dug up once the plants flower, indicating a good harvest underground. However, timing is key: digging too soon yields little, while waiting too long results in oversized potatoes. He also warned that potato shoots must remain covered with soil to prevent them from turning green and producing the toxic compound solanine. Gardeners should “earth up” the shoots by pulling soil around the base to protect them from frost and encourage tuber growth.
