Dahlias

Dahlia ‘Black Jack’ is a dramatic cactus variety that commands attention with its spiky, dark maroon petals that appear almost black in certain lights. It adds instant depth and mystery to the garden, serving as a perfect counterpoint to brighter, lighter blooms in a mixed herbaceous border.

This variety forms a bushy, upright plant with dark, lush foliage that enhances the moody intensity of the flowers. The pointed, tubular petals radiate outward, giving the blooms a star-like quality that adds texture and architectural interest to planting schemes.

Plant in full sun to help the dark pigments develop fully, ensuring the soil is rich in organic matter and well-drained. Like all dahlias, it appreciates a feeding of high-potash fertiliser once blooming begins to sustain its performance.

Support with stakes as the plant grows, as the stems can become top-heavy with flowers. Remove spent blooms to keep the plant tidy and productive, and lift tubers in autumn to protect them from freezing temperatures.

A brilliant choice for contemporary and gothic-inspired gardens, ‘Black Jack’ looks stunning when planted alongside lime-green foliage or bright orange flowers, creating a bold, high-contrast display.

Dahlia 'Cactus Mixed' brings a mixed collection of spiky cactus dahlias for bold borders to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 90–120 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Rancho' brings waterlily-style blooms in warm orange tones to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 90–100 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Topmix Mixed' brings a compact mix of colours ideal for pots and bedding displays to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 30–40 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia ‘Seduction’ is an alluring decorative variety known for its elegant pink and purple picotee petals. Each bloom features a pale, milky-white base that is delicately edged with deep violet-pink, creating a defined and sophisticated outline.

The plant is robust and floriferous, producing a high volume of medium-sized flowers throughout the season. The distinct colouring of the petals gives the blooms a three-dimensional quality, making them pop against the dark green foliage.

Plant in full sun to partial shade, in soil that has been improved with compost. This variety is excellent for adding detail and intricacy to a border without overwhelming other plants with solid blocks of colour.

Keep the plant well-watered during dry spells and stake if necessary to support the weight of the flowers. Deadhead faithfully to ensure a display that lasts well into autumn, and protect the tubers from frost during winter.

A brilliant choice for romantic cottage gardens, ‘Seduction’ draws the eye with its intricate detailing and pairs beautifully with deep purple flowers like Salvia ‘Caradonna’ or dark-leaved Heucheras.

Dahlia ‘Fire and Ice’ is a show-stopping decorative variety featuring striking bi-colour blooms of bright red with clean white edges. Its crisp, defined markings make it an eye-catching addition to cottage gardens and cheerful summer displays where bold colour is required.

The plant grows into a neat, bushy mound with fresh green foliage that contrasts thoroughly with the vivid flowers. The blooms are medium-sized and fully double, with broad, flat petals that display the consistent red-and-white pattern perfectly on every flower.

Plant in a sunny, open position where it can receive plenty of light, in soil that remains moist but drains well. This variety is relatively robust but performs best when sheltered from heavy rains that might damage the pristine white tips of the petals.

Water regularly, especially during the bud-formation stage, and feed every two weeks during the flowering season. Deadhead spent flowers by cutting the stem back to a leaf node to promote fresh buds throughout the season.

A brilliant choice for cutting patches and front-of-border impact, ‘Fire and Ice’ attracts attention from a distance and pairs wonderfully with solid white or red companions to echo its dynamic colour scheme.

Dahlia 'Genova' brings bicolour pompon blooms in white and lilac-purple tones to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 75 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Bishop of Auckland' brings velvety red blooms with a golden centre over dark foliage to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches around 90–100cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia ‘Arthur Hambley’ is a classic Giant Decorative variety, boasting enormous lavender-pink blooms that command attention in any garden border or floral display.

Standing tall at around 120cm, this robust variety produces huge, fully double flowers that can exceed 25cm in diameter. The petals are broad and slightly curved, creating a lush, full shape with a soft, silvery sheen that glows in the evening light.

Plant in full sun to maximise flowering potential, ensuring the soil is free-draining and enriched with organic matter. Due to the sheer weight of the blooms, robust staking is required from the moment of planting to prevent wind damage.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and pinch out the growing tips in early summer to promote bushier growth and more flowering stems. Feed regularly with tomato fertiliser to fuel the production of its giant blooms.

Perfect for the back of the border, ‘Arthur Hambley’ creates a stunning backdrop for lower-growing perennials. Its long, strong stems make it an exceptional cut flower, where just a single stem can make a dramatic statement in a vase.

Dahlia ‘Playa Blanca’ is a striking white cactus variety that brings texture and brightness to the summer garden. Its name, meaning "White Beach," perfectly describes the clean, fresh look of its spiky, incurved petals that radiate from a tight centre.

The plant is a vigorous grower, producing straight stems that are ideal for cutting. The unique cactus form, with its rolled, quill-like petals, adds a modern, architectural element to floral arrangements and garden beds alike.

Plant in full sun to maintain the snowy whiteness of the blooms, in soil that is rich in organic matter. Good drainage is vital, as dahlia tubers can rot in cold, wet ground.

Support the plant with stakes or netting to keep the stems upright during heavy rains. Deadhead frequently to promote a long flowering window, and lift the tubers in autumn to store them safely away from frost.

A brilliant choice for contemporary garden designs, ‘Playa Blanca’ offers a crisp, sculptural look that contrasts beautifully with soft grasses and broad-leaved foliage plants.

Dahlia ‘Lake Michigan’ is a mesmerizing decorative variety that captures the imagination with its ombre violet-purple and white blooms. The flowers feature a stunning gradient effect, with darker purple centres fading to crisp white tips, resembling a watercolour painting.

The plant has a vigorous growth habit, producing plenty of foliage and strong stems that hold the flowers upright. The blooms are perfectly formed and symmetrical, making them highly photogenic and excellent for adding a touch of artistry to the garden.

Plant in a sunny location with protection from strong winds, in soil that has been enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. This variety loves heat and will reward you with more intense colouration in a warm, sheltered spot.

Provide support with canes or netting as the plant reaches its full height. Regular deadheading is essential to prevent the plant from setting seed and to ensure a succession of blooms right up until the first frost.

A brilliant choice for gardeners who love unique colour patterns, ‘Lake Michigan’ stands out in white gardens or cool-toned borders, pairing elegantly with silver foliage and purple salvias.

Dahlia ‘Park Princess’ is a charming semi-cactus bedding variety that packs a punch of bright pink colour into a compact, manageable size. Unlike its taller cousins, this variety is perfectly scaled for pots, window boxes, and the front of garden borders.

Forming a neat, low-growing mound of healthy green foliage, it produces a profusion of spiky, vibrant pink flowers that cover the plant throughout the summer. Its shorter stems mean it rarely requires staking, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners.

Plant in full sun for the best flowering density, in high-quality potting compost if growing in containers. Ensure container-grown plants have excellent drainage to prevent the tubers from becoming waterlogged.

Water daily during hot spells if planted in pots, as containers dry out quickly. Deadhead faded blooms regularly to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage new buds to form continuously until autumn.

A brilliant choice for patio gardening and small spaces, ‘Park Princess’ delivers the exotic look of a cactus dahlia without the need for large beds, pairing well with low-growing annuals like lobelia or alyssum.

Dahlia 'Honka Pink' brings starry orchid-style blooms in clear pink to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 60–70 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.