Dahlia 'Bishop of Leicester'
paeony-flowered dahlia
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: half hardy (may need winter protection)
Pretty pink 'petals' form a single row around the brown eye, which turns bright golden yellow as the flowerhead matures. Popular with bees and other beneficial insects, the flowers will also make excellent additions to a vase. The foliage is attractive too and as it is flushed with rich bronze/purple, it will add a touch of drama to the border. - Garden care: Dahlia tubers can be planted outside after frost, or started off in pots under glass in late winter to early spring. Plant them horizontally approximately 12cm deep, making sure the ‘eyes’ are uppermost. Allow enough room between each tuber so the plants can grow and spread to their full size without being overcrowded. While in growth, provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September. Stake with canes or brushwood if it becomes necessary. In mild areas, leave them in situ over winter, but protect the crown with a generous layer of dry mulch. In colder areas, carefully lift and clean the tubers once the first frosts have blackened the foliage and allow them to dry naturally indoors. Then place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite and store in a frost-free place until planting out again.
- Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
Goes well with...
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Lathyrus odoratus 'Painted Lady'
grandiflora sweet pea seed Painted Lady
approx 20 seeds
-
Penstemon 'Pensham Laura' (Pensham Series)
beard tongue
9cm pot
-
Large wire cloches Crocus green - set of 3
Ø31.5 × H28.5cm
-
Bulb planting auger - long
small
-
Glass cloches - set of 3
Ø12.5 × H20.5cm
-
Fluted plant support - bronze
small
-
Galvanised metal perennial/bulb planter with support
looped
-
Dahlia circular plant support - rust
Ø41 × H81cm
-
Terracotta perennial bell pot
Ø47 × H44cm
-
Terracotta citrus pot
Ø50 × H45cm
-
Terracotta bulb bowl
medium Ø41 × H19cm
-
Bulb planting auger - short
medium