Gardeners’ World legend Monty Don opened up about one gorgeous flower that’s yielding better results than it has in years – and many agree with him
Lucy Marshall Lifestyle Reporter
10:25, 17 Jun 2025
Monty Don spoke about a flower that’s been blooming beautifully(Image: Getty Images)
Wondering which blooms are looking the best this year? Gardeners’ World legend Monty Don has shared some useful insights on Instagram.
The 69-year-old BBC star posted a picture of his beautiful outdoor area, where there are plenty of pretty flowers dotted around. Monty captioned the post: “It has been one of the best years for roses for a very long time. I put it down to the dry spring which meant they grew hard and healthy as the new growth and buds were forming.”
The image features Gertrude Jekyll roses, which are a popular English shrub known for its climbing ability, vibrant pink colours and appealing fragrance.
People think the flowers look lovely – and many took the time to leave their thoughts in gardening guru Monty’s comments section on Instagram.
One responder gushed: “Mine are the best they’ve ever been too. I thought it might be down to the inches thick layer of well rotted manure I put around them all last autumn!”
Another wrote: “Yes Monty, it’s been marvellously prolific with blooms.” A third remarked: “And they look so beautiful, simply gorgeous.”
And fourth added: “When we had that blazing hot summer two/three years ago, I really thought the roses wouldn’t survive. But far from it – they were the best I’d ever seen, even some miniature roses thrived.”
Content cannot be displayed without consentTop tips for growing Gertrude Jekyll roses
Gertrude Jekyll is a popular English rose by David Austin, loved for its rich pink blooms and strong old rose fragrance. Here are some top tips for growing Gertrude Jekyll roses successfully:
1. Choose the Right Location
Sunlight: Plant in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.Air Circulation: Ensure good air flow to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
2. Soil Preparation
Well-drained Soil: Roses dislike soggy roots. Amend heavy clay with compost and grit, or improve sandy soils with organic matter.pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
3. Planting
Spacing: Allow at least 2–3 feet between plants for good air circulation.Depth: Plant so the graft union (the swollen part where the rose is grafted onto the rootstock) is just at or slightly below soil level.
4. Watering
Regular Watering: Water deeply once or twice a week, especially in dry spells. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.Mulch: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Feeding
Fertilise: Use a balanced rose fertiliser in early spring, after the first flush of blooms, and again in midsummer if needed.Organic Matter: Top-dress with compost or well-rotted manure annually.
6. Pruning
Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring, just as buds begin to swell.Technique: Remove dead, damaged, or crossing stems. Cut back to healthy, outward-facing buds to shape the plant and encourage vigorous growth.
7. Pest and Disease Control
Monitor: Watch for aphids, black spot, and powdery mildew.Prevention: Good air circulation, mulching, and removing fallen leaves help prevent problems.Organic Solutions: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
8. Support
Climbing Form: If growing as a climber, provide a sturdy support and gently tie in new shoots.
9. Deadheading
Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage repeat flowering.
10. Winter Protection
In colder climates, mulch heavily around the base in late autumn to protect roots from freezing.
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