Dahlia Nurseries Share These Favourite Varieties For Dazzling Colours And Shapes
Ed is a horticultural therapist, professional gardener and writer. Ed has a BSc in Occupational Therapy from Coventry University and a Diploma in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (DipSTH) via Thive, the RHS and Pershore College. Ed runs a community kitchen garden in West Sussex, where he leads horticultural therapy sessions.
Reviewed By DAN ORI
Dan has over 27 years’ under his belt caring for plants and gardens. Working as a Horticultural Instructor and Consultant, he draws on a diverse range of experience that includes working as a Head Gardener, Tree Surgeon, Garden Centre Trouble Shooter, and writer of academic papers. Dan has a Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture and is currently a candidate for the RHS’s most prestigious award – The Master of Horticulture.
Contributions From JACK GOTT
Jack is the Owner of the specialist plant nursery JRG Dahlias, with over 50 years experience of growing dahlias. He’s previously created content for The National Dahlia Society and is a judge in their Cumbria district.
A dahlia lover based in Scotland, Elaine owns Dachshund Dahlia Plant Nursery, a specialist seller that offers some varieties of dahlias for sale that are not commonly found in the UK.
David is the Director at Halls of Heddon, which is a dahlia nursery established in 1921. David has a large following on social media and runs a YouTube channel, where he shares updates on the dahlias he grows each year.
The Estate Manager & Head Gardener at a private garden in Somerset, Elliott Beveridge has had 25 years of experience as a working Horticulturist. He previously worked as the Head Gardener at Beaverbrook in Surrey Hills, a popular hotel that is surrounded by 470 acres of land.
Lora Avedian is a Textile Artist & Designer based in London, who uses flowers and other aspects of nature as a source of inspiration. She graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2017 and has since worked with the V&A, the Barbican Centre and The Royal Academy. In 2021, she published her first book about hand embroidery, titled ‘Stitch in Bloom’.
IN THIS GUIDE
- Expert-Chosen Varieties
- 1) D. ‘Waltzing Mathilda’
- 2) D. ‘Café au Lait’
- 3) D. ‘Totally Tangerine’
- 4) D. ‘Cornel Brons’
- 5) D. ‘Bishop of Canterbury’
- 6) D. ‘Arabian Night’
- 7) D. ‘Gallery Rembrandt’
- 8) D. ‘David Howard’
- 9) D. ‘Honka Rose’
- 10) D. ‘Purple Gem’
- 11) D. ‘Black Jack’
- 12) D. ‘Boom Boom White’
- 13) D. ‘Bishop Of York’
- 14) D. ‘Labyrinth’
- 15) D. ‘Thomas A. Edison’
- 16) D. ’Linda’s Baby’
- 17) D. ‘Alfred Grille’
- References
Dahlias are a genus of tuberous perennials native to Mexico that can grow well here in the United Kingdom if given a sunny and sheltered spot.1Research on dahlia, the national flower of Mexico. (n.d.). International Society for Horticultural Science. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.ishs.org/ishs-article/1288_15
“Dahlias that come towards the end of the summer are just wonderful, although I rarely succeed in growing them myself, so I really appreciate them in other gardens,” shares Floral Artist Lora Avedian.
A popular plant and widely grown here in the United Kingdom that has seen a resurgence over the past few years and for good reason, dahlias are available in a dazzling array of colours, sizes and shapes and can flower for months on end.
“Dahlias can be incorporated for some late summer colour explosions into many gardens, big or small,” shares Head Gardener of a private gardens in Somerset, Elliott Beveridge.
Easy to grow and care for, there are even some that are loved by pollinators and will bring bees, butterflies and hoverflies into the garden.
Expert-Chosen Varieties
Before we share our 17 favourites, dahlia experts Jack Gott (JRG Dahlias), Elaine Patullo (Dachshund Dahlia Plant Nursery), and David Hall (Halls of Heddon) introduce a few of their favourite dahlia varieties.
‘Collarette’
“Collarettes are my favourites to grow for pollinators,” says Elaine.
Jack agrees, putting his love for these dahlias down to their ability to attract the bees and butterflies.
Water Lily
Another favourite from JRG Dahlias, Jack has won medals for his displays at the National Dahlia Society shows and other championships with his water lily dahlias.
‘Dinner Plate’
Elaine loves the dinner plate varieties because of their show-stopping flowers and size.
‘Hadrian’s’
“Any of the open-centred Hadrian’s varieties, such as H. Midnight, H. Bubblegum, H. Sunset, are a favourite of mine,” says David, from Halls of Heddon.
“This range of single varieties are home raised and are very free flowering, making them ideal for pots or the herbaceous border.
“Most have striking dark, almost black foliage which is an additional beneficial feature.”
‘Normandie’
“I also enjoy growing and showing the fimbriated dahlias, such as ‘Normandie Frills’ and ‘Normandie Wedding Day’,” David shares.
“These have flowers up to 8 inches across when grown well, and the finely cut petal tips of these ‘spiky’ cactus dahlias gives them a very lacy appearance.
“They are becoming very popular and, as a national judge, it is good to see more of these appearing on the show bench, though their use and attractiveness has a far broader appeal.”
‘Doris Day’
“‘Doris Day’ is one of my favourites and one I remember from youth,” says David.
“It’s a very free and early-flowering dahlia, with red, small, cactus blooms growing to about 4 inches, making it a good variety for [the] garden or pots.”
One collection I would recommend looking at is the Maggiore collection, as the exotic blooms burst into layers of petals reminiscent of firework displays and are my go-to for brightening up a tired summer border or collection of containers,” shares Master Horticulturist Dan Ori.
“They typically have a height of 60cm and spread 30cm, making the stems a useful length for small vases or bouquets.
“The Maggiore collection are normally treated as annuals and sold as potted plants in early summer, but if you can protect them from frost in something like a greenhouse for the first autumn & winter, they should start to develop small tubers that could be lifted or protected in the second autumn.
“If I had to choose one from the collection it would be Dahlia ‘LaBella Maggiore Purple’, although it is not particularly purple and is more of a rich red with a purple tint that really pops.”
Hopefully, these choices have prepared you for the larger list I have cultivated for you below.
Here are 17 popular types of dahlias chosen by our editors which can be grown in the UK, including some very special RHS AGM recipients.
All of these varieties need full sun in a sheltered spot and are relatively unfussy regarding their soil requirements:
1) D. ‘Waltzing Mathilda’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Waltzing Mathilda’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Orange and pink
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.1-0.5m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread
D. ‘Waltzing Mathilda’ is a stunning semi-double dahlia that the bees will swarm over with delight.
With light pink and orange flowers and purple-green foliage, it is most at home in a bed or a border.
Growing up to 70cm in height and spread, this variety will produce an abundance of blooms from July until the first frosts if deadheaded regularly throughout the growing season.
2) D. ‘Café au Lait’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Orange and cream
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread
One of the most widely grown, to the point that some say it’s overused.
However, it is loved for a reason.
D. ‘Café au Lait’ produces the most beautiful pink–cream blush flowers up to 20cm in diameter on tall stems above bright green foliage.
Wonderful as a cut flower with a long vase life, it can grow up to 1.5m tall, so is perfect for the middle or the back of a border.
As a relatively tall dahlia, it will need a sheltered spot and staking for support.
3) D. ‘Totally Tangerine’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Orange and pink
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.5-1m spread
If space is an issue ‘Totally Tangerine’ grows well in a large pot or container with an eventual size of up to 1m high.
An anemone-type dahlia, it is great for pollinators and produces a succession of delicate pink and orange blooms.
It works great when used as a cut flower or to bring some colour to a courtyard or patio, flowering from July through to October.
4) D. ‘Cornel Brons’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Cornel Brons’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Bronze, orange and pink
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.5-1m spread
For a burst of colour in a more subtle way, ‘Cornel Brons’ is a stunning variety to grow.
A ball-type dahlia, it displays perfectly arranged dusky apricot-coloured petals that will provide an elegant impact in any garden or vase.
Growing to a hight of 1.2m with a 70cm wide spread, it is best suited to a bed or a border and prefers a sunny and sheltered spot as with most other dahlias.
5) D. ‘Bishop of Canterbury’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Bishop of Canterbury’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Red
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread
One of the Bishops series with dark foliage and prolific single flowers that are loved by pollinators, ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ produces sumptuous magenta-red flowers which contrast effectively against its dark purple leaves.
Growing up to 1m in height, it grows well in either a container or a border and will require support.
6) D. ‘Arabian Night’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Arabian Night’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Red
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.5-1m spread
With its deep and dark red flowers, ‘Arabian Night’ can appear almost black in certain conditions and add another dimension to a garden.
A decorative–type, it displays large and sumptuous double flowers up to 10cm in diameter which contrast against its green foliage.
As a tall dahlia, it will look great when grown in a border or a container, but it will need staking.
7) D. ‘Gallery Rembrandt’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Gallery Rembrandt’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Pink
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread
Another compact dahlia perfect for growing in containers or pots, or for the front of a border, is ‘Gallery Rembrandt’.
Although small, it still produces a long-lasting burst of colour with its large double flower heads up to 9cm in diameter in shades of cream and bright pink.
It is less hardy than other dahlias and so requires some protection over winter, growing best in a south-facing and sheltered spot.
8) D. ‘David Howard’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘David Howard’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Orange and bronze
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread
For a real burst of colour to add to the garden ‘David Howard’ is hard to beat.
A decorative variety that displays perfect flower heads in gold and amber which contrast beautifully against its dark foliage.
“A few varieties have very dark, almost black leaves which add contrast to a mixed border,” says June Nash from the National Dahlia Society.
“David Howard is one of my favourites of these dahlias.”
Growing to around 70cm in height and spread, it is one for the borders or a container and benefits from staking early on in the growing season.
9) D. ‘Honka Rose’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Honka Rose’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Pink, white and yellow
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread
This pollinator-friendly dahlia is slightly unusual with its striking star-shaped flowers and vibrant pink petals which curl inwards.
It is prized as a cut flower given its long vase life and will need staking as it can grow to an eventual 1m tall.
As with all dahlias, with regular deadheading, this variety will provide regular blooms from mid-summer until the start of winter.
June Nash recommends ‘Honka Fragile’ if you are looking for something more subtle that is similar to this flower:
“‘Honka Fragile’ is a delicate dahlia that is white, edged with pink.”
10) D. ‘Purple Gem’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Purple Grem’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Purple
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.5-1m spread
This cactus–type dahlia with its spiky narrow petals in hues of bright pink and purple will fit in with a number of colour schemes.
A favourite amongst cut flower gardeners, it looks spectacular in a vase.
It is a tall variety reaching heights of up to 1.2m, so will require staking for additional support.
11) D. ‘Black Jack’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Black Jack’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Red and black
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread
A well-known decorative dahlia introduced almost 20 years ago, ‘Black Jack’ truly is a show stopper.
With its deep dark red flower heads up to 25cm across that can appear almost black, this dahlia really adds impact to a border.
One of the tallest dahlias, ‘Black Jack’ can grow to 1.5m tall, so it is definitely best suited for the back of a bed and will need staking to be kept out of the prevailing winds.
12) D. ‘Boom Boom White’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Boom Boom White’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: White
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer
- SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread
Dahlias don’t just come in bright and vivid colours, as cool and classic whites are also available.
‘Boom Boom White’ is a ball-type dahlia with white petals and a hint of lemon that will bring an elegant touch to any bed or border.
Its flower heads can reach an impressive 15cm in diameter which seem to gently float on its slender habit and green foliage.
This dahlia does equally well when grown in either a container or directly in the ground.
13) D. ‘Bishop Of York’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Bishop Of York’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Orange and yellow
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.5-1m spread
Unlike most other colours, there are not many yellow dahlias to choose from.
However, if you are searching for a yellow dahlia, ‘Bishop of York’ is a great variety to try.
With its bright yellow petals and an orange centre it certainly provides a burst of cheerful colour.
As a single variety, it will attract pollinators into the garden and will provide a valuable late source of nectar as it flowers well into the autumn.
14) D. ‘Labyrinth’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Labyrinth’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Orange and pink
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread
Another of the varieties with huge flower heads is ‘Labyrinth’.
With its flamboyant 20cm diameter pink and orange blooms, it is no wonder it is a florist’s favourite.
Growing on bright green foliage, ‘Labyrinth’ stands out when planted in front of shrubs with dark foliage and can grow to 1m in height.
As it’s a relatively tall dahlia, it will need staking and regular deadheading to keep it looking its best.
15) D. ‘Thomas A. Edison’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Thomas A. Edison’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Purple and pink
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread
A long-standing favourite has to be ‘Thomas A. Edison’.
First introduced in the U.S. in 1929, it has since been grown worldwide for years and for good reason.
Producing deep magenta flowers which fade slightly towards the outer edges and up to 20cm across, it looks stunning wherever it is planted.
A decorative variety, it goes well with many different colour schemes, is often grown as a cut flower and will need staking due to its eventual height.
16) D. ’Linda’s Baby’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Linda’s Baby’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Pink
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.5-1m spread
For the softest pink with a touch of peach, look no further than ‘Linda’s Baby’.
It’s a pompom variety that displays exquisite small round flowers with layers of perfect petals.
With regular deadheading, this dahlia will bloom from summer until the first frosts and provide impact either in a border, container or vase.
17) D. ‘Alfred Grille’
- COMMON NAME(S): Dahlia ‘Alfred Grille’
- HARDINESS RATING: H3
- FLOWERS: Pink and yellow
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.5-1m spread
For an unusual dahlia that is certain to become a talking point, ‘Alfred Grille’ looks almost otherworldly.
A semi-cactus variety, it produces slightly spiky pink, orange and yellow petals that curl forwards.
These ornate flowers will provide a burst of colour where needed and contrast well against a green backdrop of foliage.
As with other cultivars, this dahlia prefers full sun and will need staking with a final plant size of up to 1m.
