No summer garden should be without dahlias. Perfect for the border or the cutting patch, they flower for ages in a host of bright colours, from white through to almost black. Grow them from tubers in spring for the best choice of varieties, or buy ready-grown plants at the garden centre in summer.
The colour you choose will depend on your chosen colour scheme – red and crimson dahlias offer a pop of colour and looks great in ‘hot’ borders or pots.
Here are eight red and crimson dahlias to grow.
Dahlia ‘Alva’s Doris’
Dahlia ‘Alva’s Doris’ is a tall semi-cactus dahlia, with large, red spiky blooms. It’s excellent for cutting and exhibiting.
Dahlia ‘Aurora’s Kiss’
Dahlia ‘Aurora’s Kiss’ is a miniature ball dahlia, bearing small, dark red, ball-shaped blooms on tall stems. It makes a lovely cut flower.
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ is a very popular dahlia, and one of the best single types available. Its bright red, single flowers are attractive to bees and are perfect for cutting. It also has attractive bronze-tinged foliage.
Dahlia ‘Charlotte Bateson’
Dahlia ‘Charlotte Bateson’ is a miniature ball dahlia, bearing small, deep pink ball-shaped blooms on tall stems from midsummer to autumn. It’s perfect for growing in a mixed herbaceous border and makes an excellent cut flower.
Dahlia ‘Cornel’
Dahlia ‘Cornel’ is a pompom dahlia, bearing medium-sized, pompom-shaped purple-red flowers on strong stems. It makes a gorgeous cut flower.
Dahlia ‘Doris Day’
Dahlia ‘Doris Day’ bears small, bright red cactus flowers. It’s perfect for growing in a mixed herbaceous border, and makes an excellent cut flower.
Dahlia ‘Kilburn Rose’
Dahlia ‘Kilburn Rose’ is a gorgeous ‘waterlily’ dahlia, with gorgeous pink flowers. They contrast nicely with the mid-green foliage.
Dahlia ‘Taratahi Ruby’
Another waterlily type, Dahlia ‘Taratahi Ruby’ bears eye-catching scarlet flowers from summer to autumn.
Stake dahlias to prevent flopping
Dahlias have a tendency to flop when in flower, so stake them discreetly before they begin to bloom.
