Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has urged gardeners to plant one specific flower this May to ensure a vibrant and colourful summer. With countless options available, selecting the right plant for your garden can be overwhelming. However, Titchmarsh has singled out a single flower that is both easy to care for and promises a prolonged display of colour.
The Recommended Flower: Osteospermum
Alan Titchmarsh recommends osteospermum, commonly known as African or Cape daisies. These flowers produce long-lasting, colourful blooms from summer well into autumn. In his latest gardening advice, Titchmarsh explains: "Osteospermum is a perennial but it is tender. In the mildest gardens, those by the sea in the south west of England, they can survive the winter." For best results, he advises planting them in mid to late May.
Colour Varieties and Benefits
While Titchmarsh showcased a yellow osteospermum in his video, these daisies come in a wide range of colours. "There are others that are dark reds, deep burgundy, ones called Tresco Purple that I absolutely love," he said. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, osteospermums are excellent for wildlife, particularly bees. In his video caption, Titchmarsh noted: "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."
Planting and Care Tips
Gardener's World provides additional guidance for growing osteospermum. They recommend planting after the last frosts, typically late May to early June. Once the frost risk has passed, they can be planted into containers and borders. "Plant with the top of the root ball level with the soil or compost, firm in and water well after planting," the guide advises. Regular watering is essential until the plants are established.
Watering and Feeding
Osteospermums in borders require less watering once established, while those in containers need regular watering during hot weather. To promote healthy growth, feed them weekly through the growing season with a general plant food. The plants are available as seeds, plug plants, or garden-ready plants.
Winter Care
For potted osteospermums, they can be moved indoors in autumn and winter. For those planted in borders, cut them back and apply mulch around the base to protect them from cold temperatures. With these simple steps, gardeners can enjoy a summer of colour and support local pollinators.
