Dahlias are half hardy, so keep them protected from frost. Pot tubers individually between February and April and grow them on in a greenhouse or bright indoor position. Alternatively, start them outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
Out of season
Dahlia
'Bishop of Canterbury'
The tried and tested 'Bishop' series of dahlias are highly valued for their reliability, their superb foliage and their vibrant-coloured blooms (that have the added bonus of being great for wildlife). Dahlia 'Bishop of Canterbury' is a true heritage dahlia, dating back to the early 1800’s, yet it is deeply on trend with its dramatic combination of moody almost-black foliage and velvety magenta flowers, deepening to plum towards the centre. Prominent golden stamens complete the look to perfection, and bring in the pollinators, especially the bees and butterflies.
It is no surprise that Dahlia 'Bishop of Canterbury' is a favourite among top-end growers and flower arrangers. Its dramatic flair lifts the garden out of its late summer slumber and it then continues to flower profusely well into autumn if the spent flowers are removed regularly. The attractive finely-cut, dark foliage is a merit in its own right, and can be used to provide an impactful contrast to bright blooms. Dahlia 'Bishop of Canterbury' has a lovely open growth habit, and remains relatively compact at around 1m high, making it a great choice for containers too. If growing in a pot, give it a rich and moisture-retentive growing medium, and keep well-watered for optimum growth and flowering. Dahlia 'Bishop of Canterbury' will continue to flower for many years as long as the tubers are protected from frost, either by mulching well in milder climates, or by lifting and storing over-winter in colder climates.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
For planting out later, use a snug-fitting 15–20cm pot filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. For a patio display, plant directly into a container at least 30cm wide and keep it somewhere bright and frost free until it can move outdoors.
Position the old stem facing upwards, with the tubers covered and the stem stump level with the compost. Tubers naturally vary in size and shape and may arrive without visible buds. Bent necks are usually fine if they remain firmly attached, so do not remove them.
Water after planting, then allow the compost to become almost dry before watering again while the tuber remains dormant. Once shoots and leaves are growing strongly, water more regularly, always allowing excess water to drain away.
Plant out after the last frost, once the plant is around 20–30cm tall and its roots hold the compost together. Space dahlias approximately 30–50cm apart in borders, allowing less room for compact varieties. Water thoroughly after planting.
Water regularly during active growth and deadhead or cut flowers often. Dahlias usually bloom from July or August until the first frost, although later-planted tubers may start in late August or September. In autumn, lift, clean and dry the tubers, then store them somewhere cool, dry, airy and frost free.
- Botanical name
- Dahlia 'Bishop of Canterbury'ᴾᴮᴿ
- Flower colour
- Velvet red, magenta
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Bronze
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower Gardens
Wildlife gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Top-size tubers
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