Beloved gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has revealed his essential steps for keeping roses healthy and blooming all throughout the summer.
Identifying Dead vs. Old Stems
In a TikTok video, Titchmarsh demonstrated his foolproof technique for spotting the difference between dead stems and old stems. He explained: "Dead has no living wood on it at all - a lot of these older stems have got green young ones coming out the top." If the bark shows green, the plant is alive; brown stems indicate death.
Pruning Techniques for Shrub Roses
Titchmarsh cautioned against cutting shrub roses down to knee height as done with bush roses. Instead, he advised: "You tip them back and thin the framework out." Removing older stems reinvigorates the plant and encourages flourishing. He recommended major pruning between February and March after frosts pass.
Titchmarsh created a "well spaced branch framework" to allow airflow, reducing mildew and black spot.
Soil and Nutrient Requirements
In another video, Titchmarsh emphasized: "Roses are hungry, hardworking plants that can flower for months throughout the summer, but they need the right conditions." He advised enriching soil with organic matter like homemade compost or well-rotted material. "The richer the soil, the better it can hold onto moisture and nutrients," he said.
Roses thrive in heavy clay soils that retain moisture, while light sandy soils can lead to mildew and black spot. Titchmarsh concluded: "Be generous when improving the soil, and your roses will reward you with stronger growth, healthier plants, and a spectacular display of flowers throughout the season."
