Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' (P)

RHS Plant Profile
dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff'
Award of Garden Merit
Bedding Herbaceous Perennial

A popular, tuberous-rooted perennial to 1m in height, with very dark purple-green foliage. Peony-shaped, semi-double bright red flowers 6cm in width, with bright yellow anthers, appear from summer to autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested and may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
Dahlia are tuberous rooted perennials with pinnately divided leaves and showy flowerheads, double in many cultivars, in summer and autumn
Name Status
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Peony-flowered dahlias are a compact, rounded, colourful variety which bear a resemblance to peonies and make a fabulous cut flower

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter, in full sun. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushy plants and stake - see staking perennials. Water as needed in dry periods. Lift and store tubers in autumn to replant, or use as a source of cuttings, in spring. See dahlia cultivation and our video How to plant dahlia tubers and care tips

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings taken in spring from shoots from stored tubers, or divide the tubers ensuring each division has a viable bud

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Bedding

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back to near ground level in the autumn, before lifting and storing for the winter

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, earwigs, caterpillars and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus, tubers may rot in store