Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ stands out as a timeless classic in the world of dahlias. Its unique combination of fiery red blooms, dark foliage, and versatile nature makes it a beloved choice for gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike. Whether prized for its ornamental beauty, used in vibrant floral arrangements, or celebrated in garden competitions, ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ is a symbol of horticultural excellence and aesthetic charm. This dahlia is featured in our top 40 must-see dahlia flowers.

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

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ is a peony-flowered dahlia, a category characterized by a single row of outer petals encircling a central disc, with a few smaller petals closer to the center. It is celebrated for its rich, vivid red blooms and contrasting dark foliage, creating a striking visual impact. Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ is an heirloom variety that dates back to 1927.

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.

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 Llandaff’ are a defining feature, presenting a vibrant, fiery red hue. The blooms are medium-sized, usually measuring around 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The petal arrangement, combined with the peony-like appearance, offers a classic yet bold aesthetic. The flowers are held above the foliage on sturdy stems, making them excellent for cutting and arrangements.

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

Foliage: One of the most striking features of ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ is its foliage. The leaves are a deep, almost blackish-bronze, forming a perfect backdrop for the bright red flowers. The contrast between the dark leaves and the luminous blooms is a key aspect of its charm and a significant factor in its popularity.

Uses: ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ is incredibly versatile, suitable for various garden and landscape applications. Its compact size and dramatic coloring make it ideal for borders, mixed beds, and cottage gardens. Its striking appearance is also highly valued in floral arrangements, particularly for creating bold, eye-catching displays.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. This dahlia has a storied history in the horticultural world. While specific awards may vary, its enduring popularity and aesthetic appeal have consistently placed it among the favorites in dahlia competitions and garden shows. Its historical significance and continued relevance in modern gardening underscore its status as a classic and celebrated variety.

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.