Dahlias are one of the most beloved flowers in the gardening world, and it's easy to see why. With their vibrant colours, intricate petal arrangements, and impressive range of sizes and shapes, dahlias bring an explosion of colour and drama to any garden. This week, we're celebrating the Dahlia as our Plant of the Week. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, dahlias are a must-have in your garden for an endless summer display.
Why Dahlias?
Dahlias are the quintessential garden flower, known for their long-lasting blooms that can continue well into autumn. Native to Mexico, these stunning plants have become a staple in gardens across the UK due to their adaptability and sheer variety. From bold, dinner-plate-sized blooms to more delicate pom-poms, dahlias come in a spectrum of colors and styles, ensuring there’s a perfect variety for every garden.
A Rainbow of Choices
One of the most remarkable things about dahlias is the sheer diversity of varieties available. Here are a few popular types to consider:
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Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’: This variety is famed for its large, creamy, blush-coloured blooms that can reach up to 8-10 inches across. It’s a favourite among florists and garden designers for its soft, romantic appearance.
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Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’: A striking variety with dark, almost black foliage and vibrant red flowers. This contrast makes it a standout in any garden bed.
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Dahlia ‘Pompon’: As the name suggests, these dahlias produce small, perfectly round blooms that resemble pom-poms. They’re great for adding a playful touch to your garden.
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Dahlia ‘Cactus’: Known for its spiky, starburst-shaped flowers, this variety comes in a range of colours and adds texture and interest to garden displays.
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Dahlia ‘Dinnerplate’: True to its name, these varieties produce some of the largest blooms, often over 12 inches in diameter. They’re perfect for making a bold statement in your garden.
Benefits of Growing Dahlias
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Extended Blooming Season: Dahlias start blooming in mid-summer and can continue to flower until the first frosts. This long blooming season means your garden stays vibrant and colourful for months on end.
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Versatility: Whether you're looking for tall plants to add height to a border, or smaller varieties to fill in gaps or add colour to containers, there's a dahlia that fits the bill. Their wide range of sizes and forms makes them incredibly versatile.
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Cut Flowers: Dahlias are prized for their use as cut flowers. Their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make them ideal for bringing indoors to enjoy in a vase. A single dahlia stem can be the centerpiece of any bouquet.
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Pollinator Friendly: While many double-flowered varieties of dahlias may not be accessible to pollinators, single-flowered types can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden.
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Low Maintenance: Despite their exotic appearance, dahlias are surprisingly easy to grow. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, and with a little care, they’ll reward you with a stunning display.
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Tubers for Next Year: One of the best things about dahlias is that you can dig up the tubers at the end of the season, store them over winter, and replant them the following spring. This makes dahlias a great investment for your garden, providing beauty year after year.
How to Care for Dahlias
Caring for dahlias is relatively straightforward, but a few tips will help you get the best out of your plants:
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Planting: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dahlias prefer to be planted after the last frost has passed, usually in late spring. Plant the tubers about 6 inches deep, with the growing point facing up.
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Watering: Dahlias need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather.
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Feeding: To encourage abundant blooms, feed your dahlias with a balanced fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season.
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Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and keep the plants looking tidy.
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Staking: Taller varieties of dahlias may need support to keep their heavy blooms from drooping. Use stakes or cages to help keep them upright.
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Overwintering: In the UK, it’s best to lift the tubers before the first frost. Allow them to dry out for a few days, then store them in a cool, dry place over winter. Replant them in spring for another season of gorgeous blooms.
Dahlias are a showstopper in any garden, offering a spectacular display of colour and form from summer through to autumn. Their versatility, ease of care, and potential to return year after year make them a brilliant addition to any garden. Whether you’re planting them in borders, containers, or as a cut flower crop, dahlias are sure to steal the show.
Visit us at Kings to explore our range of dahlias and find the perfect variety to brighten up your garden. Make this summer a dahlia-filled delight!