Alan Titchmarsh Champions Winter-Flowering Cherry for Urban Gardens
Television presenter and horticultural authority Alan Titchmarsh has shared expert guidance for garden enthusiasts with limited outdoor space, emphasising that every garden deserves at least one tree. On his popular Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh YouTube channel, he specifically highlighted the winter-flowering cherry as an ideal choice for compact urban plots, providing vibrant colour during the dormant winter season.
The Perfect Tree for Smaller Gardens
Alan Titchmarsh advises: "If you've got a smallish garden, the best thing to do is to find a tree which will never eat you out of house and home." He recommends the winter-flowering cherry for its manageable size and stunning visual appeal, noting that these trees can bloom profusely even in mid-January, bringing much-needed interest to gardens when most plants are inactive.
The gardening guru explains that smaller cherry varieties are particularly practical for town and city gardens where space is at a premium. Their delicate flowers emerge from tiny buds over several winter weeks, creating a beautiful display during the darkest months.
Optimal Planting Time and Techniques
Titchmarsh identifies the period between November and March as the prime window for tree planting, especially for bare-root specimens that have been transplanted. He suggests acting promptly before spring arrives to allow roots adequate time to establish before warmer weather stimulates growth.
When planting, he recommends digging a hole approximately 20 to 30 centimetres wider than the root ball on all sides. Contrary to popular belief, he asserts that the shape of the planting hole is irrelevant—whether circular or square, roots adapt regardless.
Essential Planting Considerations
For trees purchased from garden centres, Titchmarsh cautions against planting too deeply. If the tree arrives in a container, maintain the original planting depth and avoid burying the roots further. He also advises thoroughly soaking dry root balls before planting and gently teasing out roots to encourage proper spreading.
After positioning the tree in the hole, carefully backfill while ensuring the trunk remains straight. In windy locations, adding a supportive stake can help young trees become firmly established. Following these steps, gardeners can immediately enjoy an attractive focal point that flourishes even in winter conditions.
Long-Term Garden Commitment
Titchmarsh reminds enthusiasts that tree planting represents a lifetime commitment, requiring careful selection from the outset. The winter-flowering cherry offers both aesthetic rewards and practical suitability for smaller spaces, making it an excellent choice for urban gardeners seeking year-round beauty.
Alan Titchmarsh continues to share gardening wisdom on Love Your Weekend, airing Sundays on ITV from 9:30am to 11:30am.
