Dahlias come in many different forms, including flamboyant cactus, waterlily and pompon varieties. All of these have double-flowers, which look spectacular. If you're feeling inspired to grow them, read our guide explaining how to grow dahlias.

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These complex flowers have little to offer bees and other pollinators, though. By contrast, single-flowered dahlias are fantastic for pollinators. With fewer petals and their reproductive parts on show, bees, butterflies and other insects have easy access to the flowers' pollen and nectar, and the flowers are no less beautiful. They are a beautiful addition to the garden and are wildlife-friendly, too.

Don't forget to check out more ways to make your garden bee-friendly in autumn.

Where to buy dahlias online:

  • Crocus - Choose from a huge range of colours and shapes, and take advantage of discounted prices if you buy multiple collections of dahlia tubers.
  • Thompson & Morgan - Shop the new 2022 range of varieties, including ‘Electro Pink’, which is the world’s first dark leaved cactus dahlia, as well as the dwarf ‘Lubega Power Tropical Punch’ that’s ideal for containers.
  • de Jager - Established bulb specialists with an impressive collection of dahlia tubers, in a range of colours and flower shapes.
  • Dobies - Great selection on offer, with offers and discounts on specific collections.

Here are some beautiful single-flowered dahlias to grow:

Dahlia 'Bishop of York'

Dahlia 'Bishop of York' bears bright yellow single flowers, in contrast with green-purple foliage, throughout the summer. It's ideal for growing in a mixed herbaceous border, and is an excellent late source of nectar for bees and butterflies.

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Dahlia Bishop of York

Dahlia 'Bishop of Auckland'

Dahlia 'Bishop of Auckland' bears velvety, crimson, single flowers on near-black stems, in contrast with dark green-red leaves. It is well suited to growing in a mixed, herbaceous border, where its tall, red flowers will complement a range of other flowers.

Dahlia Bishop of Auckland

Dahlia 'Annika'

Dahlia 'Annika' is a tricking dahlia, bearing vibrant pink flowers in contrast with dark-green foliage, from midsummer to autumn. It's well suited to growing in a mixed, herbaceous border, and is very attractive to bees and butterflies.

Dahlia Annika

Dahlia 'Twynings Candy'

Dahlia 'Twynings Candy' is a delightful dahlia, bearing pretty pink-and-white-striped single flowers over mounds of dark green-purple foliage, from midsummer to the first frosts.

Dahlia Twynings Candy

Dahlia 'Chocolate Sundae'

Dahlia 'Chocolate Sundae' bears large, single, maroon flowers with bright yellow centres over toothed, dark green, pinnate leaves.

Dahlia Chocolate Sundae

Dahlia 'Ian Hislop'

Dahlia 'Ian Hislop' bears orange-yellow single flowers from midsummer to late-autumn. It's perfect for growing in a mixed herbaceous border, especially among purple- and red-flowered plants.

Dahlia Ian Hislop

Dahlia 'Magenta Star'

Dahlia 'Magenta Star' bears deep magenta pink flowers with a dark reddish brown disk fringed with gold. Foliage is a pretty dark green/brown.

Dahlia Magenta Star

Dahlia 'Joe Swift'

Dahlia 'Joe Swift' is a single-flowered dahlia variety, with pretty yellow-centred white flowers, which develop pinkish tones as they mature. The flowers contrast beautifully with dark-green-bronze foliage.

Dahlia Joe Swift

Dahlia 'Topmix Pink'

Dahlia 'Topmix Pink' bears pretty, single pink flowers with yellow centres, in contrast with dark green foliage. Flowers last throughout summer and well into autumn.

Dahlia Topmix Pink

Looking for more inspiration?

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Kate Bradbury says

Dahlias provide bees and other pollinators with a very late source of nectar. Keep the supply of food going with winter-flowering plants such as winter honeysuckle, and don’t forget to plant crocuses for emerging queen bumblebees in spring.

Kate Bradbury
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