Dahlias

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 'Almand’s Joy' brings giant dinnerplate flowers in soft purple and white shades 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 1 m, 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 ‘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 'Purple Explosion' produces bold decorative blooms in deep purple edged white, creating a crisp, high-contrast effect that stands out from a distance and adds drama to summer planting.

The flowers are full and rounded, held above a strong, bushy plant that provides dependable colour from midsummer until frost and plenty of stems for cutting.

Plant in a sunny, sheltered position after the danger of frost has passed, using fertile, well-drained soil and giving the plant support if conditions are windy.

Keep deadheading and watering through dry spells to maintain flowering, then lift and store the tubers once autumn frosts arrive.

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 ‘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 '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.