Colourful summer garden essentials.
It’s hard to choose which Dahlias to plant these days. From the original 30 species, nearly 60,000 cultivars have been developed in nine categories - the choice can be almost mind-blowing. Dahlias are happy in borders or beds mixed with other flowers, or in a dedicated display. Wonderful cut flowers, they have a fantastically long vase life and any which are cut will be replaced with new ones. Flowering time is also extended by removing dead heads, often they'll bloom well into autumn! Dahlia tubers like full sun and a free-draining soil, and should be lifted and stored in winter, or at least protected with peat or straw. Dahlia flowers can range from 5 to 25 cm (2 to 10 inch) in diameter and those magnificent larger-flowering ones might appreciate a little extra support with canes.