Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has revealed that now is the perfect time to plant specific perennial flowers to ensure a "glorious year of colour" in your garden. In a TikTok video, he shared advice on which plants to choose for different conditions, helping amateur and seasoned gardeners alike make the most of their outdoor spaces.
Alan Titchmarsh's Top Perennial Picks for Shade
For shady areas, Titchmarsh recommends three standout plants. Hostas are ideal for shade, though they can also tolerate some sun. Their leaves display brilliant colours, making them a favourite. Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) features leaves that hold water like "globules of quicksilver" and produces a froth of lime green flowers in summer. It is a resilient plant that adapts to almost any soil type. Polemonium, commonly known as Jacob's Ladder due to its leaf shape, thrives in dappled shade.
Herbaceous Perennials for Full Sun
Titchmarsh notes that most herbaceous perennials—plants that die back to ground level in winter but flourish in spring and summer—prefer full sun. He advises gardeners to check plant labels for specific soil and sunlight requirements before planting. "Now is the perfect time of year to be planting perennials. But what goes where?" he said in the video. "You pick things you like the look of. But you also check, 'cause there's lots of information on labels, that they will like your soil and situation."
Tips for Successful Perennial Planting
In the caption accompanying the clip, Titchmarsh emphasised the importance of choosing the right plant for the right spot. "Always check plant labels for soil type and sun or shade preferences before planting," he wrote. "For shady areas, hostas, lady's mantle, and polemonium are excellent choices, bringing beautiful foliage and seasonal colour. Most herbaceous perennials, however, thrive in full sun, rewarding you with vibrant displays year after year."
Perennials are defined as plants that survive for more than two years, returning each season without replanting. This makes them a popular choice for gardeners seeking long-term colour. With the recent heatwave subsiding in many regions, now is an ideal time to get outside and plant.
