Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’

Description

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’ is a stunning variety with coppery-orange flowers and dark foliage. Follow this comprehensive guide to help your Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’ thrive and produce beautiful blooms all season long.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’ is in the spring, once the soil has warmed up. This gives the tuber plenty of time to establish its roots before the growing season begins.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant in early autumn to allow the plant to settle before the dormant period. This will help ensure strong growth for the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia loves full sun. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage vigorous growth and an abundance of flowers.
• Soil: Ensure that the soil is well-drained and fertile for Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging, so good drainage is essential. Enrich the soil with organic matter, like compost, to promote healthy root growth and improve drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’. This allows enough space for the roots to grow freely.
2. Soil Preparation: Add compost or organic matter to the soil to enhance fertility and drainage. This provides the nutrients needed for Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’ to thrive and bloom profusely.
3. Planting: Place the tuber or root ball into the hole, ensuring the top is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
4. Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Make sure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogged conditions.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’ needs moderate watering once established. Water deeply during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between sessions. Overwatering should be avoided, as this can cause root rot.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering during the dormant season. Water only if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Dahlia requires minimal moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’ a healthy start to the growing season. This will encourage strong growth and vibrant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will help maintain vigorous growth and promote continued flowering for Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’ to promote continuous blooming and keep the plant tidy. This will also extend the flowering period.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded, cut back to ground level in autumn. This prepares the plant for dormancy and supports healthier growth the following season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply mulch around the base of Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’ to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials such as bark chips or compost are ideal.
• Winter: In winter, adding mulch around the base will protect the tubers from frost and extreme cold, ensuring that your Dahlia survives until the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: While Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’ has sturdy stems, staking may be necessary in areas prone to strong winds. Staking helps keep the plant upright and prevents damage to the flowers.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’ is a low-maintenance, hardy plant that will provide vibrant coppery-orange blooms from July to October. By planting in full sun, providing well-drained soil, and following these simple care tips, you can enjoy beautiful flowers all summer long. Add this Dahlia to your garden for a striking addition that will brighten any space with its stunning colour and elegant foliage.

RHS Details

See more Dahlias from Proctors