Product Description
DAHLIA Bishop of Llandaff stands as one of the most celebrated and recognizable garden dahlias, cherished by gardeners for nearly a century. This exceptional peony dahlia combines stunning visual appeal with remarkable garden performance, making it an essential addition to any planting scheme.
Striking Visual Impact
The Bishop of Llandaff dahlia is renowned for its dramatic dark bronze to almost black foliage, which provides an extraordinary backdrop for its brilliant blooms. From July through September, this opulent plant produces striking semi-double, bright vermilion-red flowers measuring 5-6cm across. The intense scarlet-red petals contrast beautifully against the dark foliage, creating a display that has earned it the description as “The best dark-foliage, clear red Dahlia.”
This dahlia was named in 1924 after Bishop Hughes of Llandaff (now Cardiff), Wales, and has remained a garden favourite ever since. The Royal Horticultural Society has recognized its exceptional qualities by awarding it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM), confirming its outstanding performance and reliability in garden conditions.
Extended Seasonal Interest
Valued for its late summer colour that extends well into autumn, Bishop of Llandaff provides continuous interest when many other plants are fading. The long flowering period makes it ideal for bedding schemes and mixed borders, while the sturdy stems and vibrant blooms make it a popular choice as a cut flower for indoor arrangements.
Growing Requirements & Care Instructions
Planting & Feeding
- Feed weekly during the growing season with high nitrogen liquid feed to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering
- Plant tubers after the last frost when soil has warmed
- Position in full sun for best flowering performance
Maintenance
- Dead head regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season
- Stake with canes or brushwood as plants develop to support the stems
- Monitor for pests and diseases throughout the growing season
Winter Storage
Once the first frosts have blackened the foliage:
- Carefully lift and clean the tubers
- Allow tubers to dry naturally indoors
- Place dry tubers in a shallow tray
- Cover lightly with slightly damp potting compost or sand
- Store in a frost-free place
- Check regularly over winter months
Note: In warmer areas, tubers may be left to over-winter in the ground, although they may suffer from slug damage, particularly in heavy clay soils.
Product Specifications
Pack Contains: 2 Premium Top Size Tubers
Flower Size: 5-6cm across
Flowering Period: July to September
Foliage Colour: Dark bronze to almost black
Flower Colour: Bright vermilion-red
Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
Delivery Information: Delivery of summer flowering bulbs and tubers begins last week in February. Price includes delivery within the U.K.
For more information on growing dahlias successfully, visit our dahlia growing guide.
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