This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moist but well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Hardiness: half hardy (will need winter protection)
  
  A stunning, medium sized perennial dahlia whose rich, dark bronze foliage contrasts warmly with the fiery single flowers in a rich palette of hot colours all with dark brown centres opening to dark yellow. Blooming from mid-summer until the first frosts, and producing tubers at the end of the season, ‘Bishop’s Children’ seed mix is a great way to grow these beautiful and reliable border perennials. Makes a wonderful cut flower, too!
  
  
• Growing instructions: Sow from late winter onwards in fine, seed compost 6mm (¼in) deep. Keep in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill above 65F (18C) until germination, which usually takes between 7 and 10 days. Ensure soil is kept moist but not wet, and when large enough to handle, prick out and transplant to trays or individual pots, and move to cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise before planting out, after all risk of frost has passed, at 12-18 in (30-45cm) apart. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushy plants, and stake if needed. Water freely in dry periods. Lift and store tubers in autumn to replant, or use as a source of cuttings, in spring.
  
  
• Sow: February to April
  
  
• Flowering: July to October