Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’

Description

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ is a striking variety with dark metallic bronze foliage and vibrant semi-double red flowers with bright yellow anthers. This comprehensive guide will help you ensure your Dahlia thrives and blooms beautifully all season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ is in the spring when the soil has warmed. Planting in this season allows the tubers to establish well before the blooming season.
• Autumn: If you prefer, you can plant your Dahlia in early autumn, giving the plant time to settle before the dormant season, ensuring strong growth in the spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ flourishes in full sun. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to encourage vigorous growth and an abundance of flowers.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential for Dahlia. Make sure the soil is not prone to waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Adding organic matter like compost can improve soil fertility and drainage, ensuring healthy roots.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’. This gives the roots space to spread and grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Enhance the soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter. This enriches the soil, improving its drainage and fertility, allowing your Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ to grow vigorously.
3. Planting: Place the tuber or root ball into the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole gently, firming the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage the roots to establish. Be sure the area drains well to prevent waterlogging, which Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ does not tolerate.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ requires moderate watering. Water deeply during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Dahlia requires minimal moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to support healthy new growth and flowering for Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’. This gives the plant a strong start to the growing season.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can boost flower production and keep your Dahlia blooming consistently throughout the season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ to encourage continued blooming. This will keep your plant looking tidy and ensure a longer flowering period.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded, cut back the plant to ground level in autumn. This helps prepare the plant for winter dormancy and supports healthier growth in the following spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Dahlia to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like bark chips or compost are ideal.
• Winter: Adding a layer of mulch in winter can help protect the tubers from frost and cold temperatures, ensuring your Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ survives through to the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ has sturdy stems but can benefit from staking if grown in areas prone to strong winds. Staking provides support and prevents damage to the plant, helping it maintain its upright growth habit.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant that adds vibrant colour to your garden from June to October. By providing full sun, well-drained soil, and following these care guidelines, your Dahlia will reward you with stunning blooms throughout the summer. Incorporate this unique dahlia into your garden to enjoy its bold red flowers and dramatic foliage all season long.

RHS Details

See more Dahlias from Proctors