Dahlia Bishop of Dover

Dahlia Bishop of Dover is  a single white flower with just a dash of lilac. It has a daisy like appearance with the yellow centre. A lovely contrast against the dark foliage. Dark leaved dahlias such as Dahlia Bishop of Dover don’t grow quite as tall but will exceed 60cm high. They can be particularly impressive if planted in a large group, filling a bed.

Dahlias are tropical plants and thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunshine and moist soil. When growing dahlias, they should be planted after the last frost of the season. Dahlia tubers should be planted 12cm deep and spaced at least 60cm apart. Make sure that the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter by preparing the holes well, dig them to a depth of about 20cm and backfill with suitable compost to encourage early sprouting.

Keep your Dahlias blooming from June right through until the first Winter frosts by feeding them regularly, dahlias need plenty of water and fertilizer every few weeks for optimal results. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers will encourage a longer flowering period unto the first frosts of autumn.

At the end of the growing season, you can dig your Dahlia tubers up gently and store them for replanting the following Spring. Cut off all but about 15cm of top growth before doing so, and allow them to dry before storing them in a ventilated box or basket filled with slightly moist sand or vermiculite, and in a cool, dry place.

Keep the tubers moist throughout the Winter and cut away any sign of rot, and replant as soon as the last frosts have come and gone.