Dahlia ‘Bishop of Dover’

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Dover’ is an exceptional variety within the Dahlia genus, offering a delightful blend of soft-colored blooms and dramatic foliage. Whether used in garden design, as part of floral displays, or enjoyed as a container plant, ‘Bishop of Dover’ brings a sense of tranquility and contrast to any setting. Its manageable size, coupled with its striking visual appeal, makes it a favorite choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of elegance and depth to their outdoor spaces. With ‘Bishop of Dover’, gardeners can enjoy the dual benefits of beautiful blooms and eye-catching foliage, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Dover’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Dover’ is a part of the esteemed Bishop series, renowned for their striking foliage and vibrant blooms. This single dahlia variety is celebrated for its elegant flowers and distinctive leaf color, making it a standout choice in any garden.

Native: Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America. This cultivar results from extensive breeding and does not occur naturally in the wild.

Plant Type and Habit: This dahlia is a tuberous-rooted perennial with a bushy, upright growth habit. It is characterized by robustness and vigor, forming a well-structured and visually appealing presence in the garden. Its growth habit makes it suitable for a variety of garden settings, from mixed borders to standalone features.

Size: It generally reaches about 36 inches in height (90 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions. This moderate size makes it suitable for various garden settings, including smaller spaces.

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Bishop of Dover’ are visually captivating. They display a beautiful blend of white and soft lilac-pink hues, creating a serene and inviting look. The blooms are medium-sized, offering a subtle yet impactful addition to any garden or floral arrangement.

Bloom Time: Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost it provides long-lasting color in the garden.

Foliage: One of the distinctive features of ‘Bishop of Dover’ is its dark, almost black foliage. The deep, rich color of the leaves provides a stunning contrast to the soft, pastel flowers, enhancing the plant’s overall visual appeal and adding depth to the garden’s color palette.

Uses: Dahlia ‘Bishop of Dover’ is highly versatile. It is perfect for adding vibrant color and contrast to borders, beds, and container plantings. The unique combination of its bright flowers and dark foliage makes it an excellent choice for creating focal points in the garden. In floral arrangements, ‘Bishop of Dover’ brings a touch of brightness and sophistication, making it suitable for various decorative purposes.

Hardiness: Dahlias are hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder zones, tubers need to be lifted and stored over winter.

Toxicity: Dahlias are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Their ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other health issues in pets and livestock.

Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Deer and Rabbit: Dahlias are somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits but may still be vulnerable to browsing.

Invasiveness: Not invasive; dahlias grow from tubers and do not spread aggressively.

Dahlia Growing Tips

Light: Dahlias love the sun, so choose a location with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil: Dahlias prefer well-drained, loamy soil. They don’t tolerate water-logged conditions, so if your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

Planting Time: Dahlias are usually planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Planting Depth: Dahlia tubers should be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, with the “eye” (the small bump from where the stem will grow) facing upward.

Watering: Dahlias like consistent moisture. Water them deeply a couple of times a week, more often if your area is experiencing a drought. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing: Dahlias respond well to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush, leafy growth and fewer flowers.

Deadheading: Regularly removing the spent flowers (deadheading) will keep your dahlias producing more blooms.

Overwintering: In colder climates (zones 7 and below), you’ll need to dig up and store the tubers indoors over the winter.

Pests and Diseases: Dahlias are generally relatively disease and pest-resistant, but there are a few common issues to watch out such as aphids, botrytis blight, earwigs, powdery mildew, slugs and snails, spider mites, and thrips.