Looking for a pot plant? Consider a dahlia
Dahlias are versatile summer flowers. You usually see them planted in borders but some are great in containers, creating colourful displays on your patio until the first frosts of autumn.
The following dahlias performed so well in RHS trials that they were given an RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2011 for use in containers:
Dahlia 'Melody Harmony'
A sturdy dahlia, with strong stems and dark foliage that constrasts well with the light pink flowers. It's a nice, even shape, so fills pots well. Blooms appear early in the flowering season. Useful for areas with unreliable weather.
Plant height: 80cm (21/2 ft)
Flowers: 11cm (4in) in diameter
Dahlia 'Happy Single Princess'
An attractive, upright plant that is more compact than some other single-flowered dahlias. The foliage turns a striking black-green as it matures, with dark red-purple stems contrasting nicely against the white blooms.
Plant height 75cm (21/2 ft)
Flowers: 8cm (3in) in diameter
Dahlia 'Knockout'
A vigorous plant with an upright, spreading habit. Pristine, bright yellow flowers with a dark centre are emphasised by the unusual foliage which is almost black. Flowers well throughout the year.
Plant height: 73cm (21/4 ft)
Flowers: 9.8cm (4in) in diameter
Dahlia 'Happy Single Flame'
Produces masses of fiery red flowers that last very well. These contrast nicely with dark green foliage that is tinged black. It's compact but spreads well enough to fill a pot. A really outstanding dahlia.
Plant height: 85cm (3ft)
Flowers: 8cm (3in) in diameter