Renowned gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has encouraged gardeners to plant one particular flower this June. With so many options available, deciding what to add to your outdoor space can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, Alan has narrowed it down to a single bloom that is 'easy' to care for and will deliver a 'summer of colour'. He recommends picking up Osteospermum, more commonly known as African or Cape daisies.
These stunning flowers produce vibrant, long-lasting blooms throughout summer and well into autumn. Alan said, 'Osteospermum is a perennial, but it is tender. In the mildest gardens, those by the sea in the South-west of England, they can come through the winter.'
Alan advises planting them in mid to late May. However, you can also plant these flowers in June, and they will still bloom this year, according to Gardener's World.
He said: 'You'll get a whole summer of colour from these bright daisies.' In his Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh video, the expert showcased a yellow osteospermum, though they are available in a vast array of colours.
Alan said: 'There are others that are dark reds, deep burgundy, ones called Tresco Purple that I absolutely love.'
Beyond brightening up your garden, these flowers are also a fantastic resource for bees. In his video caption, Alan said: 'This is also a great plant for wildlife. Bees and other pollinating insects are drawn to osteospermum because the central part of the flower offers nectar and pollen. That means the plant does more than add colour; it helps bring life and movement into the garden.'
Gardener's World also has a guide to planting and growing osteospermum. 'Plant with the top of the root ball level with the soil or compost, firm in and water well after planting,' they advised. Regular watering is essential until they're properly established.
Osteospermums planted in borders will manage with less frequent watering, while those in containers require consistent watering during warm spells. Weekly feeding with general plant food throughout the growing season is recommended.
The plants are available as seeds, plug plants or garden-ready specimens. Osteospermums in pots can be brought indoors during the autumn and winter months. For those planted in borders, trim them back and apply mulch around the base to shield them from the cold.
