Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has shared his essential gardening tips, naming the one flower that no "garden is complete without"11:13, 31 Jul 2026Alan Titchmarsh is one of Britain's most recognisable gardeners and horticultural broadcasters. Over a career spanning several decades, he has become a respected television presenter, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for gardening, helping to inspire and educate people of all ages to enjoy horticulture.‌Now he has revealed the one flower that he believes no "garden is complete without". And there may not be a better time to plant it, with the weather looking perfect for a weekend of gardening with highs of 24C‌Alan, 77, has inspired millions of people to discover the joys of gardening through his approachable, practical advice and warm presenting style. In recent years, he has continued to share his expertise through a dedicated gardening YouTube channel.‌In one clip, he named roses as the one flower every garden must have. He said: "I think no garden is complete without a rose. For colour, for fragrance, and just for the sheer joy of watching them open."Meanwhile, when it comes to garden borders, Alan said that shrub roses are "the most popular type" of roses. There's good reason behind their appeal, as Alan explained: "Shrub roses grow much larger than the patio rose." These flowers have been captivating gardeners for generations.‌Alan said: "The old shrub roses have one season of flowering, generally from June edging into July, but that's it."The modern shrub roses, and those that are called English shrub roses, will start flowering in late May and early June, where they'll have a big flush, but they will spotter on right the way through the year."Alan's favourite rosesHowever, Alan has previously shared that his preference leans towards pink or mauve varieties. He's particularly fond of the Jacques Cartier rose - commonly referred to as the Old Rose.‌He does, however, call the flower an "oddity" because it "flowers right the way through the year". He added: "It's quite a tall rose, it will grow to seven or eight feet if you let it."Roses are among the world's most beloved flowering plants, admired for their stunning blooms, beautiful fragrance, and incredible variety. Part of the Rosa genus, there are more than 150 species and thousands of cultivated varieties, making them a favourite in gardens across the globe.‌With a history stretching back more than 5,000 years, roses have long been cherished by gardeners and cultures alike. Early rose gardens have been traced to ancient China and the Middle East, before the flowers gained popularity with the Greeks and Romans. Today, they remain one of the most iconic and widely grown plants in the world.Ultimately, Alan says he will "try any rose" provided it boasts a wonderful fragrance. He added: "We all love scent in roses, that's the most important thing."How to deal with roses in AugustPicking roses already growing and blooming in pots in garden centres may well be the best way forward following weeks of hot weather. Because they have lived their whole lives in these containers and have a fully established root system wrapped in soil, you can plant container-grown roses year-round - including in August.Article continues belowYou should avoid putting the plant in the ground on exceptionally hot, blistering days. Wait for a mild, overcast afternoon if possible. You will need to water it deeply and frequently—sometimes every other day or even daily during a heatwave—until the roots take hold in your garden soil.An important thing to remember is, if you are in an area currently affected by a hosepipe ban, you should only use a watering can filled up from a tap inside your home.