Dahlias are an impressive flower to showcase in the garden. Their large blooms and exciting variety of colours and shapes creates an incredible display throughout the summer.
Full of life and vibrancy, it’s easy to see why they’re a seasonal favourite among gardener’s. Although Dahlias offer plenty to the garden on their own, discovering new and exciting Dahlia companions can take your displays to new heights. With that in mind, we have chosen our favourite Dahlia companion plants to consider for your summer gardens.
Echinacea
Echinacea’s produce beautiful blooms, each one boasting with colour. Flowers from July to September and will add dimension to your Dahlia displays.
Shop Our Range of Echinacea
Echinacea Green Jewel
Echinacea Single/Double Mixed
Echinacea Unusual Colour Collection
Geraniums
Geraniums are often considered a British summer garden staple. Their wide range and variety provides you with plenty of option for your seasonal display.
Shop Our Range of Geraniums
Geranium Century F1 Red
Geranium Double Sybil Mixed
Geranium Single Trailing Collection
Crocosmia
Originating from South Africa, Crocosmia boasts with beautiful blooms in vibrant shades throughout the summer. They’re also incredibly hardy, making them a perfect Dahlia companion plant.
Shop Our Range of Crocosmia
Crocosmia Sunglow
Crocosmia Large Flowering Mixed
Crocosmia Large Flowering Collection
Verbena
Last but by no means the least is the beautiful Verbena. Blooming all season long, this versatile flower is an essential summer garden addition whether planting with Dahlias or on their own.
One of the most beautifully versatile summer flowers. Blooming from summer into autumn, the colourful, long-lasting blooms of dahlias belong in every garden. Varying in size, colour and shape, discover our guide for choosing the best dahlia flowers for your garden.
For pots/containers
For pots and containers, the best choices are the shorter, dwarf varieties. With a more compact shape and low growing habit, dwarf dahlias provide beautiful bright coloured blooms at a smaller size, making the perfect companions for patio pots, containers, especially if you’re short of space in the garden.
For flower beds and borders
If you are passionate about vibrant summer colour in your flower beds and borders, dahlia flowers are the perfect solution. For the front of the border, low-growing dwarf dahlias or pollinator-loving mignon dahlias are the perfect options, and to get impressive blooms at the back of a border, dinnerplate and decorative dahlias are ideal due to their height and colourful flowerheads.
For cut flower beds
All dahlias can make exceptional cut flowers but narrowed down a list of the most desirable and popular types. Pompom dahlias work well for cutting. Their natural habit is to continually produce flowers as they go through the season. Waterlily types are also a great choice as they are free flowering, normally held on long stems, and any of the miniatures will make perfect cut flowers.
Dahlias are an ever-popular choice for many a summer garden. Their easy-to-grow tubers produce phenomenal displays of colour and texture in a range of styles throughout the season. However, if you’re new to gardening, you may be wondering how to plant these beauties.
Planting dahlia tubers is a straight forward process, perfect for those with less experience. With their beauty and effortless maintenance, it’s easy to see why they’re a horticultural favourite.
Why Choose Dahlias?
Dahlias are easy to grow and suitable for gardeners of all skill levels. These blooms are fast-growing by nature and will flower in the first year and for many years to come (keep them stored and frost-free over the winter).
Dahlia tubers are versatile and will tolerate most types of well-drained, fertile soil or compost. They can be grown successfully in pots, tubs, window boxes and in borders.
They are a firm favourite due to the many different types, sizes, and colours available on the market.
New varieties are created each year. Once you’re hooked on Dahlias, you will always be able to find something new.
They flower continuously through the summer, right up until the first frost of the autumn.
They look fantastic as cut flowers, making any display a memorable one.
Varieties
Before we move onto planting dahlia tubers, here are the main types of Dahlias. Each variety can be classified into several different categories, representing the main characteristics of the flower blooms themselves.
Anemone Flowering – Also known as Powder Puff Dahlias, these beauties produce unique flowers with double feathered central petals resembling a fluffy ball.
Cactus– A favourite for many years, Cactus Dahlias produce fully double pointed petals which turn backwards to create a tubular petal effect. Are sometimes referred to as Spiky Dahlias.
Dark Leaf – As the name suggests, the foliage on this variety is not the usual bright green that you see on your average Dahlia. They create an abundance of flowers through the summer, with each bloom appearing on darker (usually purple/black) foliage.
Decorative – Produces large, fully double flowers with rounded petals through the summer right up until the first frosts. A perfect choice for cut flower displays.
Dwarf– A range of smaller, more petite Dahlias which are perfect for the front of the border. They are prolific flowering varieties, look also great planted mixed in pots on the patio.
Dinner Plate – As the name suggests these are the largest flowers within the range, often up to as much as 25cm in diameter (see illustration below). Another popular choice as cut flowers.
Pompom – Love the unusual? Pompom Dahlias produce ball-shaped blooms that appear through the summer. Each petal has rounded tips and are curved upwards at the edges, and are available in plenty of colours.
Planting Dahlia Tubers
All our Dahlias are supplied as top quality dormant tubers which can be planted as soon as you receive them. The success rate from these dahlia tubers is extremely high. They are also an inexpensive way to create a large number of flowers from one plant.
Dahlia tubers should be planted 10cm deep in fertile well-drained soil, outdoors in spring when the frost has disappeared. They prefer to be in a sunny location and spaced at approximately 45cm apart. In areas where there is extreme cold, dig up dahlias and store in a cool peat over the winter. Apply a high potash fertiliser every few weeks in the summer to help growth and they can be dead headed when necessary.
Planting Dahlia tubers in Pots & Containers
Planting Dahlias in pots and containers is a fantastic way of brightening up your patios. Their unique colours and shapes will brighten any space, a perfect choice for gardens with less space to play with.
Once your tubers arrive safely in the post, they can be soaked overnight in a bucket of water to soak up as much moisture as possible.
When all signs of frost have passed they are ready to pot up, leaving plenty of time to grow a well-established root before the summer.
It is recommended to place some pebbles at the bottom of the pots before adding the compost to help with drainage, by ensuring the compost doesn’t block the drainage holes.
Fill in some compost and then add the tuber with the growing tip facing upwards.
Continue to fill in the rest of the compost to firmly hold the tuber, making sure the growing tip at the top is peeping out and is not completely covered. This is now ready to be moved to the patio or garden area, with access to as much sun as possible.
Water well after potting, keeping the compost moist but not waterlogged, as the tubers will rot. Add a liquid feed weekly during the growing season and provide some protection from slugs as they have a strong love for Dahlias.
If growing tall varieties, insert a cane to help with growth and to keep secure.
Very little pruning is needed with Dahlias. However, you can deadhead as flowers begin to fade.
Summer-flowering Dahlias are an essential addition to any gardener’s bedding displays. Each variation of Dahlia produces large blooms and bright colours throughout early summer.
As we approach spring, you might have started thinking about your summer garden. Browse our entire range of Dahlias to create the perfect display.
Dahlia Paso Doble
Dahlia ‘Paso Doble’ is an anemone-flowering variety that produces large yellow and white double flowers. Each centre is filled with rows of bright yellow tubular petals that create an impressive pompom effect.
Dahlia Cactus Pinelands Princess
The Dahlia ‘Pinelands Princess’ is a gorgeous cactus variety that produces the most incredible pink and yellow flowers throughout the summer months.
Dahlia Dinner Plate Mystery Day
If you’re looking for something unique in shape and colour, then Dahlia ‘Mystery Day’ is right up your alley. Each flower produces the most incredible bright red petals that taper into white toward each tip.
Dahlia Kiev
Dahlia ‘Kiev’ produces large blush pink petals with a yellow-tinged centre from as early as July. As the flower matures, the colour becomes darker and more intense. Easily to pair with any of our summer-flowering Dahlias for an exciting summer display!
One of the most popular summertime blooms. Dahlias are loved by gardeners everywhere for their cut flowers, long lifespan and beautiful colours and shapes. Since our Dahlia tubers are available for pre-order now, discover when to plant dahlia tubers and grow your own beautiful blooms.
When to plant Dahlias
Since dahlias struggle in cold soil, don’t rush to get them in the ground. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting out in the garden.
How to plant Dahlias
Position dahlias in sunny spots and plant in a rich, well-drained soil. Dig a hole around 6 to 8 inches deep. Place the tubers inside with the growing points, otherwise known as “eyes” facing up, and cover with 2 to 3 inches of soil.
How to Space Dahlias
Bedding (dwarf) dahlias can be planted 9-12 inches apart. Smaller types (approx. 3 feet tall) should be spaced 2 feet apart, and taller Dahlias should be planted around 3 feet apart to allow optimal growing room.
Understanding when and how to store Dahlia tubers can be tricky for those who are new to gardening. Dahlias are incredible summer flowering plants that bring joy to those who grow them. Growing from a tuber (a dry clump formation of roots, rather than a bulb or plug), Dahlias are perfect perennials that flower throughout the whole season.
However, once the summer season is over, there’s a process you should follow to protect the root and ensure that the plant doesn’t rot. If this is your first time storing dahlias, then this handy guide can help you go from A to B without any fuss or confusion.
Step 1 – Lift the Root
Lift your tubers before the first frost of the autumn season to avoid root rot. To lift the root, you need to dig gently around the base. Be careful not to damage any of the root as you dig. Shake off the soil and cut the dahlia stems down and dispose of the leaves.
Step 2 – Rinse & Dry
Rinse gently with water until most of the soil has washed off. Leave in a warm area, with the tuber placed upside down, to dry.
Step 3 – Pot and Cover
Once the tuber has dried, place in a pot and cover with dry compost. Store in a dry, cool area until the weather warms once again and repeat the cycle.
Gardening Tip 💡 : If you know that your dahlias are in a warm, safe spot in your borders and aren’t at risk of rotting throughout the winter, cover the area with a thick layer of mulch for an added padding of insulation.
Now you’ve learnt how to store Dahlia tubers, how about learning something else?
Big, bold and beautiful, Dahlias are one of the most popular summer flowers due to their breathtaking flowers. Available in a wide assortment of colours, shapes and sizes, these eye-catching blooms not only shine in the garden but they make the most amazing cut flowers!
With Spring officially here, now is the perfect time to kick off your cutting garden and order some delightful Dahlia bulbs for planting in April. All Dahlia make exceptional cut flowers but we’ve done all the hard work and narrowed down a list of the most desirable varieties to add to your shopping list.
The name says it all, these raspberry streaked white Decorative Dahlias will bring joy to the garden all summer long. A beautiful cut flower to pair with other pink Dahlias.
A prestigious RHS Garden Merit Award Winner. This cartwheel shaped Dahlia boats vibrant red blooms and will certainly add a unique touch to your summer flower vases.
These Anemone-flowering Dahlias (commonly known as Powder Puffs) are a glorious sight in the summer. Their purple-crimson flowers look perfect paired with other purple Dahlias.
Looking for something pretty in pink? For decades, pink flowers have been a popular choice for gardeners, and add a sweet, delicate and playful touch to our flower borders and pots. From scorching hot pinks to soft pale pastels, discover the perfect pink blooms to create a dazzling summer garden.
Plant a border filled with masses of these romantic, bi-coloured Dahlias. Blooming with crimson streaked, pale pink petals, these unique flowers are nothing short of breathtaking.
Bright and cheerful, this Pom Pom Dahlia’s soft pink blooms are made up of layers of silky, curved petals that create their perfectly formed spherical shape.
From lovely lavenders to magenta pinks, this assortment of pretty pink Dahlias will fill all your summer garden needs. An easy to grow mixture of Pompom and Decorative varieties.
Fill your baskets and window boxes with these cascading Begonias. Their fragrant, double blooms will radiate beauty in the summer garden for months of pleasure.
These giant deep pink blooms are the perfect choice for a smaller garden. Compact and versatile, enjoy these vibrant flowers in the border, in pots or as cut flowers for the home.
Become the envy of your neighbours with hanging baskets that practically glow with beauty. These soft pink, double blooms will brighten up the summer garden and bring a gorgeous scent.
Short and sweet. This compact Lily boasts with the most beautiful strawberry petals that fade into a cream colour in the centre. Perfect for summer pots.
Add a touch of style to your summer garden with these delicate and exotic blooms. These light pink, star-shaped flowers make stunning cut flowers for the home.
Why not try a classic Calla Lily? These outstanding fuchsia flowers will shine in the summer garden and will bloom all season long. They also make stunning cut flowers.
Dahlias are large, bright and a real eye-catcher in any garden. Perfect for the border or the cutting patch, they stay in bloom from summer right through to autumn. Below is a selection of our favourite dazzling Dahlias in all shades of ruby, scarlet, burgundy and crimson!
We have a range of handy planting guide videos filmed with our resident plant expert Jeff Turner, which give easy step-by-step instructions on how to plant each variety of Dahlia.
If you love bright colours in your borders, you won’t go far wrong with dahlias. Dahlias are among the lowest maintenance, highest production cut flowers and garden plants you can grow. So, with our premium Dahlia range now available to order online (for dispatch from mid-January), why not kick the new year off with a bang by planting these showstopping bloomers.
This striking Dahlia will steal the show in any summer garden. Their gently ruffled, velvet wine and white swirled petals are great for cutting or plant in groups for a hypnotizing display.
Anemone flowering Dahlias, commonly known as Powder Puff Dahlias produce unique flowers with double feathered central petals, resembling a Powder Puff.
Bring joy to the summer garden with Dahlia Painted Lady‘s pink and crimson flecked flowers. A perfect choice for a feature plant in the border or potted up in a patio display.
A truly charming Dahlia. Bright orange-red petals adorn a ring of small ruffled gold petals at their heart. A real stand out for borders or as cut flowers.
Silky, spherical flowers. These Pompom Dahlias brighten up the summer season with their unique, pale yellow blooms. An uplifting sight in a sunny garden.
Plant dahlias on free-draining, lighter soils, where they are more likely to survive the winter.
Plant in a sunny or partially shaded location for best growth.
Space about 60cm (2ft) apart and 10-15cm (4-6in) deep.
As dahlias are tender, you’re best starting the tubers into growth in the greenhouse, then plant them in their flowering site after the frosty days are passed.
NEW SPRING 2020 CATALOGUE COMING SOON!
Our new spring 2020 catalogue has landed! Filled with our latest range of fantastic offers on spring/summer bulbs, plants and shrubs, keep an eye out for your copy in the post in January!
Dahlia Ambition
Dahlia Tartan
Dahlia Blue Boy
Dahlia Art Nouveau
Dahlia Painted Lady
Dahlia Collarette Pooh
Dahlia Honka White
Dahlia Boom Boom Yellow
Dahlia Bishop of Leicester
