Dahlia

Dahlia Bishop of Llandaff

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: half hardy
  
  Deservedly popular, this peony dahlia has striking, semi-double, bright vermilion-red flowers, 5-6cm across, from July to September and dissected, fern-like, dark red-purple leaves.  It's perfect for a border based on 'hot' colours, as part of an exotic scheme, or alongside other plants with purple foliage. It requires a sunny site with fertile, humus-rich soil and makes an excellent cut flower.
  
  Garden care: Stake with canes or brushwood as it becomes necessary. Deadhead and feed regularly to prolong flowering. 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 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. In warmer areas, tubers may be left to overwinter in the ground, although they may suffer from slug damage, particularly in heavy clay soils.