Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff'

dahlia

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Flower colour: bright vermilion-red
• Other features: excellent cut-flowers
• Hardiness: half hardy (may need winter protection)
  
  Striking, semi-double, bright vermilion-red flowers appear from July to September above the deeply divided, dark bronze-red leaves. This popular, peony-flowered dahlia requires a sunny site with fertile, humus-rich soil. Perfect for a planting scheme based on 'hot' colours, the tubers must be lifted and over-wintered in a frost-free place in all but the warmest areas.
  
  
• Garden care: Provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September. Once the first frosts of autumn have blackened the foliage, carefully lift and clean the tubers and allow them to dry naturally indoors. Place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite. Store in a frost-free place, checking frequently over the winter months.