{"title":"Order Premium Size Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDutch Import Quality Dahlias\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eDelivery Spring 2026\u003c\/h3\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"arbatax-dahlia-tubers","title":"Arbatax Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Arbatax\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (small)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e White petals edged with lilac-pink. The pink deepens as each flower ages\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 to 12cm (4 to 5in) across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frosts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Ideal size for mixed arrangements, long vase life\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eArbatax: The Cutting Garden Dahlia with a Watercolour Edge\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArbatax is the dahlia you plant when you want something that blends rather than dominates. The flowers are white with a fine lilac-pink edging on each petal. Not painted on in broad strokes like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-twist-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait Twist\u003c\/a\u003e, but delicately lined, almost as if someone ran a watercolour brush along the margins. Named after a small harbour town on the eastern coast of Sardinia, which is a pleasingly obscure provenance for a Dutch-bred dahlia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs each bloom ages, the pink deepens and spreads inwards. So the overall effect across a plant shifts gently from almost-white newly opened flowers to warmer, pinker older ones. Subtle enough to sit in a pastel scheme without clashing with anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe blooms are small by decorative dahlia standards, 10 to 12cm across, which is exactly the size that works best in a mixed arrangement. Dinnerplate varieties can overwhelm a vase. Arbatax slots in alongside cosmos, zinnias, sweet peas and snapdragons without trying to take over. The plant is compact and bushy at 90cm, rarely needs more than a light support, and produces flowers freely from July right through to the frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to Plant with Arbatax\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a cottage-garden dahlia, or a dedicated cutting patch dahlia. Partner it with soft pinks and whites: cosmos 'Purity' or 'Candy Stripe', white or blush sweet peas, and pale zinnias all flower at the same time and cut to the same kind of loose, generous bouquet. For darker contrast, the paprika tones of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brown-sugar-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBrown Sugar\u003c\/a\u003e (a warm ball dahlia with petals darkening towards the centre) at the same height makes a rich companion. The deep plum globes of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e, a ball dahlia from the legendary Geerlings nursery in Holland, add both colour depth and a tight geometric shape against Arbatax's softer form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and gardeners in Somerset on the end of the phone if anything isn't right. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Arbatax a good dahlia for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best. The 10 to 12cm flower size is far easier to use in mixed arrangements than dinnerplate varieties, the stems are sturdy, and vase life is good. One important detail: dahlia buds don't continue opening after cutting, so always pick flowers that are already fully open. Cut early in the morning and condition the stems in hot water for an hour before arranging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill the colour change as the flowers age?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGently, yes. Newly opened flowers are mostly white with a fine lilac-pink edge. As each bloom ages over several days, the pink deepens and spreads inwards. You'll have a mix of almost-white and warmer-pink flowers on the plant at any one time, which gives a softer, more natural look than a fixed uniform colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Arbatax compare to the Cafe au Lait dahlias?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompletely different scale. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e family produces dinnerplate flowers up to 25cm across on plants well over a metre tall, needing serious staking. Arbatax is compact with 10 to 12cm blooms that blend into mixed plantings and arrangements. Drama and scale: Cafe au Lait. Versatile cutter that plays well with others: Arbatax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Arbatax grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm with small flowers, it's well suited to containers. Use a pot at least 30cm across and deep with rich compost, and feed with a liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks from June. The \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has more on this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAre dahlias fragrant?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot really. You might catch a faint green, earthy note if you press your nose into the centre, but nothing you'd notice in the garden or in a vase. Dahlias earn their place through colour and form. If you want scent in the same border, grow them with late sweet peas, nicotiana or phlox. Planting and aftercare details are in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003egrowing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54861618250054,"sku":"DAHLARB-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/arbatax-dahlia-flowers-head.jpg?v=1755634206"},{"product_id":"ambition-dahlia-tubers","title":"Ambition Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ambition\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-cactus (fimbriata: petals with forked, split tips)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Magenta-purple\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 15cm (6in) across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Strong upright stems, very good vase life\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRain resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Better than average. Cactus petals shed water more readily than flat decorative types\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAmbition: Spiky, Purple and Completely Unbothered by Rain\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've ever watched a decorative dahlia collapse into a soggy mess after a heavy shower, Ambition is the antidote. The semi-cactus petals are rolled and quilled rather than flat, so water runs off instead of pooling in the bloom and rotting it from the inside. In a wet British summer, that's not a minor detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe petal tips are forked, split like tiny deer antlers. It gives each flower a slightly shaggy, textured look that's far more interesting than the smooth perfection of a decorative type. The colour is a saturated magenta-purple that holds from first bud to last petal drop. No fading, no shifting. At 15cm across, the flowers are large enough to hold their own in a border but manageable in a vase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe stems are strong and upright, the plant produces masses of blooms from July right through to November, and the whole thing stays relatively compact at a metre tall. Plant in groups of three at 75cm spacing and you'll have a solid block of purple from midsummer to the frosts. It's a favourite of Sarah Raven, which tells you most of what you need to know about its reliability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to Plant with Ambition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSaturated purple works best either with similar deep tones or against deliberate contrast. For a rich, moody border, try Ambition with the near-black blooms of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e and the deep red spikes of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rip-city-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRip City\u003c\/a\u003e. For contrast, the warm blush tones of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arbatax-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArbatax\u003c\/a\u003e (white with pink edges) make the purple sing, or try the velvety maroon waterlily form of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sam-hopkins-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSam Hopkins\u003c\/a\u003e for a different flower shape in the same dark palette. The heritage apricot of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e (another semi-cactus, introduced in 1911 and still going) provides a warm, unexpected companion. Ornamental grasses soften the effect: Stipa tenuissima or bronze Carex catch the light between the flower heads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and real people on the phone in Somerset if anything isn't right. Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ecactus dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the difference between a semi-cactus and a decorative dahlia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePetal shape. Decorative dahlias like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e have broad, flat petals that lie open. Semi-cactus types like Ambition have petals rolled or quilled for at least half their length, giving a spikier, more textured appearance. The practical difference is rain resistance: rolled petals shed water, flat petals hold it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat are fimbriata petals?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmbition is sometimes classified as a fimbriata dahlia because the tips of its petals are forked or split. Think tiny deer antlers. This gives the flowers a slightly shaggier, more informal texture compared to a smooth-petalled cactus dahlia. Same plant either way. Fimbriata is just a more specific description of the petal tip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat happens if I go on holiday and can't deadhead?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant won't die, but it'll slow down. Once a dahlia sets seed, it puts less energy into new flowers. You'll come back to a few spent heads, possibly some developing seed pods, and fewer buds in the pipeline. Cut everything spent back hard when you return and give it a good feed. It'll pick up again within a couple of weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Ambition grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorderline, at a metre tall with 15cm flowers. A large pot (at least 35cm across and deep) with rich compost, a cane and regular liquid feeding will work, but it'll always do better in the ground. For a purple dahlia that's truly happy in a container, something more compact would suit. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epots and containers guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo dahlias have a scent?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarely. Most dahlias have little to no fragrance. A faint earthy, green note if you bury your nose in them, but nothing you'd notice from a distance. They earn their place through colour and form. If you want scent in the same border, plant them with late-flowering sweet peas or nicotiana.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999102816582,"sku":"DAHLAMB-TUBER","price":5.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/ambition-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249838"},{"product_id":"american-sun-dahlia-tubers","title":"American Sun Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e American Sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich golden yellow\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 15cm (6in) across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to October\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Strong upright stems, good vase life\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAmerican Sun: The Yellow Dahlia That Actually Works in a Mixed Border\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYellow dahlias have a reputation for being difficult to place. Too bright, too loud, too much against the muted tones that British gardeners tend to reach for. American Sun gets away with it because the yellow is warm and rich rather than acid. Golden rather than lemon. Closer to the colour of late-afternoon sunlight than a traffic sign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe fully double blooms are up to 15cm across, with neatly arranged flat petals held on strong, upright stems above dark green foliage. It flowers freely from July into October without needing much encouragement beyond deadheading and the occasional feed. At 90cm tall and 60cm across, the plant is compact enough to sit in the middle of a border without overshadowing its neighbours, and bushy enough to fill its space without looking leggy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's also one of the better dahlias for containers. The moderate height and sturdy stems mean it doesn't topple the way taller varieties can in a pot. A reliable, uncomplicated performer that earns its place year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCompanions for American Sun\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGolden yellow comes alive against dark foliage. Plant American Sun alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e (burnt orange against chocolate-bronze leaves) for an autumn scheme that looks deliberate rather than accidental. Add the warm colouring of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sylvia-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSylvia\u003c\/a\u003e (a delicious buttery orange) for a third texture, flat decorative against tight sphere against dark foliage. For a hotter, braver border, deep purple \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ambition-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eAmbition\u003c\/a\u003e provides strong contrast: magenta-purple spikes against golden-yellow bowls, bold but balanced. Bronze Carex grasses at the border front and Helenium alongside are natural late-summer company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes (growth buds), ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs American Sun a dinnerplate dahlia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 15cm across, American Sun sits in the middle ground. Large enough to make an impact but not the 25cm blooms you get from the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e family. The advantage is that mid-sized flowers are easier to arrange, less demanding to support, and more resilient in wind and rain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the yellow a harsh, acid colour?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarm, not harsh. Think late-summer sunlight rather than daffodil. The golden tone works well alongside oranges, bronzes, deep reds and purples. If you find most yellow dahlias too bright, this one is worth trying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill American Sun grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm with mid-sized flowers, it's one of the better dahlias for containers. Use a pot at least 30cm across and deep with rich compost, and feed with a liquid tomato fertiliser every couple of weeks from June. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer dahlias guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I make dahlias last longer in water?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly pick flowers that are already fully open. Dahlia buds stop developing once cut, so a half-open bloom stays half-open. Early morning is the best time, when the stems hold the most water. Strip the lower leaves, condition the stems in hot (not boiling) water for an hour, then arrange in a clean vase. Change the water every two days and keep the vase away from direct sun. American Sun typically gives you five to seven days, which is longer than many of the larger-flowered varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat happens if I forget to deadhead?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant puts its energy into setting seed instead of producing new buds, so flowering slows down. If you leave it a few weeks, holiday, busy life, whatever, you'll come back to spent heads and fewer flowers in the pipeline. Cut all the dead flowers back hard, give it a liquid feed, and it'll pick up within a fortnight. The season runs to November, so there's plenty of time to recover. Full planting and aftercare advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999103504710,"sku":"DAHLAMESUN-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/american-sun-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249838"},{"product_id":"ariston-dahlia-tubers","title":"Ariston Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ariston\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ball dahlia\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vivid rusty red\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 10cm (4in) across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 65cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Long-lasting in the vase, geometric form adds texture to arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExhibition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Ball dahlias are a traditional show class\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAriston: A Perfectly Round Flower in a Colour You Can't Quite Name\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBall dahlias look like nothing else in the garden. Where decorative types open flat and cactus dahlias spike outwards, a ball dahlia's petals curl inward along their length and arrange themselves in tight spirals, building up to an almost perfectly spherical bloom. Exhibitors have been showing ball dahlias for over a century. The form has to be right, or the judges notice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAriston does this in a vivid rusty red that sits somewhere between burnt sienna and terracotta. Warm and rich and unusual. The kind of colour that stops people in the garden because they can't quite name it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are 10cm across, densely packed and surprisingly tough. Ball dahlias hold up well in rain because the tightly rolled petals don't trap water the way open decorative blooms do, and they're among the longest-lasting dahlias in a vase. The dense structure means the petals stay firm for days longer than looser flower forms. The plant itself is compact at a metre tall, with fresh green foliage and strong stems that rarely need support. It produces flowers freely from July right through to November.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Goes with Ariston\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe rusty red works beautifully in autumn-toned schemes. Plant alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e (burnt orange, dark bronze foliage) and the heritage apricot of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e, a semi-cactus introduced in 1911 that has outlasted thousands of newer varieties, for a warm border that peaks in August and September. For a darker combination, pair Ariston with deep purple \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ambition-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eAmbition\u003c\/a\u003e and the deep claret pompon \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rocco-pom-pom-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRocco\u003c\/a\u003e. The geometric ball shape contrasts well with looser flower forms, so placing Ariston in front of a ruffled dinnerplate creates real textural depth. Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' and bronze Carex grasses tie the warm tones together at ground level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to show you what they can do. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eball dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a ball dahlia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBall dahlias have fully double flowers where the petals curl inward for most of their length and arrange themselves in a spiral, building up to a globe-shaped bloom. They're typically 5 to 15cm across, smaller than most decorative dahlias, but the geometric perfection of the form makes them stand out in a border and especially in a vase. Pompon dahlias are the same shape but smaller still, under 5cm. Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eball dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Ariston good for showing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBall dahlias are a traditional exhibition class, and Ariston's tight, symmetrical form and vivid colour make it a strong contender. For the best show blooms, disbud to one flower per stem and grow in rich, well-fed soil with consistent watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does a ball dahlia compare to a decorative?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDifferent shape, different effect. Decorative dahlias have broad flat petals that open into a ruffled, relaxed flower. Ball dahlias have tightly rolled petals in spirals, creating a dense geometric globe. The two types look best planted together. Tight spheres give structure among the looser forms. Cut flower grower Georgie Newberry is a fan of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/checkers-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCheckers\u003c\/a\u003e, a red-and-white ball that proves the point about form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Ariston grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a metre tall it's pushing the limits for a container, and the results won't match open ground. If you want a ball dahlia for pots, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wine-eyed-jill-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWine Eyed Jill\u003c\/a\u003e at 90cm is a better fit, or the compact pompon \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nescio-pom-pom-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eNescio\u003c\/a\u003e. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003egrowing dahlias in containers guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eI'm going on holiday in August. Will it survive a fortnight without deadheading?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvive, yes. Look its best, no. Dahlias that aren't deadheaded put their energy into setting seed rather than producing more flowers. When you get back, cut everything spent right back, give it a thorough watering and a liquid feed, and it'll pick up again within a couple of weeks. The season runs to November so there's no need to panic. Full growing and aftercare advice is in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999110320454,"sku":"DAHLARIS-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/ariston-dahlia-flower.jpg?v=1755249839"},{"product_id":"baccara-dahlia-tubers","title":"Baccara Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Baccara\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (small)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e True burgundy. Wine-dark, without purple undertones\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Versatile colour works in almost any arrangement\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBaccara: A True Burgundy Dahlia Without the Purple\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMost dark red dahlias lean purple. Baccara doesn't. The colour is a true, clean burgundy, the colour of good Bordeaux wine, without the blue-purple cast that makes varieties like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e read as near-black. That distinction matters if you're trying to build a warm autumn scheme. Baccara sits on the red side of dark, not the purple side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are 14cm across, neatly formed, fully double decorative with overlapping petals that create a tidy, almost formal structure. At 120cm the plant is tall, with good green foliage and long stems for cutting. In floral arrangements, Baccara's warm burgundy is one of the most versatile dark dahlia colours: it works with peaches, apricots, creams, oranges and reds without pulling the scheme towards blue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe name almost certainly comes from the card game Baccarat, which is appropriate for a flower this poised. Nothing shaggy or informal here. Baccara looks like it dressed for dinner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Goes with Baccara\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe warm burgundy pairs naturally with autumn tones. Plant behind \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e (burnt orange, dark foliage) for a scheme where the warm burgundy and warm orange play off each other's depths. The terracotta ball \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brown-sugar-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBrown Sugar\u003c\/a\u003e bridges the colour gap with its apricot-copper tones. For lighter contrast, the shifting blush of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-royal-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait Royal\u003c\/a\u003e (dusky pink, same height) makes the burgundy glow. Late Helenium and Sedum extend the warm palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and the team in Somerset. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Baccara differ from other dark dahlias?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour temperature. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e is a cool, near-black burgundy with purple undertones. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rip-city-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRip City\u003c\/a\u003e is a deep wine-red with a black heart. Baccara is a warm, clean burgundy without the blue-purple cast. In arrangements with peaches and oranges, Baccara blends where the others contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Baccara good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery. The 14cm flowers are a good size for arrangements, the stems are long and strong, and the warm burgundy colour is one of the most versatile dark tones in floristry. Pick fully open flowers, condition in hot water for an hour. Expect five to six days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Baccara in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 120cm it's on the tall side for a container. In a large pot (at least 35cm across) with a stake and sheltered position, it'll work. For a dark dahlia that's more naturally suited to pots, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e (90cm, compact) is a better fit. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does \"Baccara\" mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost certainly named after the card game Baccarat, the favourite of James Bond and high-stakes casino gamblers. The spelling drops the final 't,' which is also a common French variant. An appropriate name for a flower this elegant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 120cm with 14cm flowers, yes. The stems are good but the height makes it vulnerable in wind. A cane per main stem or a support ring around the clump. Full planting and care advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999116022086,"sku":"DAHLBACC-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/baccara-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249842"},{"product_id":"beatrice-dahlia-tubers","title":"Beatrice Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beatrice\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ball dahlia\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lavender-pink with warm peachy undertones, shifting through the season\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 to 10cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90 to 110cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Strong stems, good vase life\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDahlia Beatrice: A Ball Dahlia Whose Colour Depends on the Season\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeatrice is one of those dahlias where the colour description never quite does the real thing justice. On paper, it's often listed as lavender or lilac. In the garden, you'll notice warm peachy-pink undertones threading through each petal, shifting depending on the light and the maturity of the bloom. Early in the season, the flowers open with more pink warmth. As autumn approaches and temperatures drop, the lavender deepens and becomes more prominent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ball form is classic: tightly packed inward-curving petals forming a near-spherical shape, 8 to 10cm across. At 90 to 110cm tall depending on conditions, it's a mid-border plant that benefits from staking. Get your supports in at planting time. Trying to stake a fully grown dahlia without snapping stems is an exercise in frustration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStems are strong enough for cutting, and the shifting colour makes each bloom slightly different in a vase arrangement. It flowers from mid-July to the first frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere to Plant Beatrice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe warm lavender-pink works in both warm and cool schemes. Plant alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e (soft apricot semi-cactus, 120cm) for a warm pairing where both colours shift through the season. For a purple scheme, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rocco-pom-pom-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRocco\u003c\/a\u003e (fuchsia pompon, 75cm in front) picks up the lavender tones at a smaller scale. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-onesta-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWhite Onesta\u003c\/a\u003e (white with green centres) provides a calming neutral alongside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eball dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Beatrice's colour really change through the season?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNoticeably. Early flowers lean towards warm peachy-pink. As nights cool into autumn, the lavender-purple deepens. You'll have a range of tones on the plant at any one time, which makes it more interesting than a fixed-colour variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Beatrice good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 8 to 10cm ball form is the ideal size for bouquets, the stems are strong, and the shifting colour means each stem is slightly different. Cut only fully open flowers, early in the morning. Condition stems in hot water for an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Beatrice grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90 to 110cm it's on the tall side for a container. A large pot (at least 35cm) with staking and regular feeding will work, but it's happier in a border. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I plant Beatrice tubers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutdoors from late April to May once frost risk has passed. For a head start, pot up indoors from March. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/starting-dahlia-tubers-in-spring\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003estarting tubers guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains the process. Full growing advice in the \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999118545222,"sku":"DAHLBEAT-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/beatrice-dahlia-flower.jpg?v=1755634220"},{"product_id":"bishop-of-leicester-dahlia-tubers","title":"Bishop of Leicester Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bishop of Leicester\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peony (semi-double, open centre)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pale pink stripes over white, with dark Bishop foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 to 15cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Strong stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBishop of Leicester: The Palest of the Bishop Dahlias\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bishop series shares its famous dark foliage, but each variety carries a different flower colour. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e is scarlet, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-auckland-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eAuckland\u003c\/a\u003e is velvety crimson, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-york-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eYork\u003c\/a\u003e is golden yellow. Bishop of Leicester is the softest of the series: pale pink stripes over a white ground, delicate and pretty against those characteristic dark stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a peony type with an open centre that bees can reach, so it earns its place in pollinator gardens as well as ornamental borders. At 90cm tall and 90cm wide, it fills its space with a bushy, self-supporting habit. It rarely needs staking. The flowers are 10 to 15cm across and produced freely from July to November.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Alongside Bishop of Leicester\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pale pink-and-white flowers look best alongside other Bishops for a family planting with dark foliage running throughout. Plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e (scarlet) and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-york-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of York\u003c\/a\u003e (golden yellow) for a scheme that runs from pale pink through scarlet to gold, all on dark stems. For companions outside the Bishop family, the soft tones of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arbatax-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArbatax\u003c\/a\u003e (white with pink edges, 90cm) echo the delicate colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and gardeners in Somerset on the end of the phone. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Bishop of Leicester part of the same series as Bishop of Llandaff?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. All the Bishop dahlias share the dark foliage that \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e made famous in 1924. Leicester is a more modern addition with softer flower colours, but the same dark-stemmed, open-centred, pollinator-friendly form runs through the whole series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Bishop of Leicester good for bees?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent. The open, semi-double peony form gives pollinators easy access to the central disc. It's one of the best dahlia types for wildlife gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Bishop of Leicester grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery well. At 90cm with a bushy habit and small to mid-sized flowers, it's compact enough for a large container. Use a pot at least 30cm across, feed fortnightly from June. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Bishop of Leicester need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually not. The bushy habit and moderate flower size mean it supports itself. A light ring at planting time is sensible in exposed gardens. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999122968902,"sku":"DAHLBISOFLE-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/bishop-of-leicester-dahlia-flowers-head.jpg?v=1755249842"},{"product_id":"bishop-of-auckland-dahlia-tubers","title":"Bishop of Auckland Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bishop of Auckland\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peony (semi-double, open centre)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Velvety crimson with yellow stamens at the centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark Bishop foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 to 15cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollinators:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Open centre, recommended by BBC Gardeners' World\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBishop of Auckland: Velvety Crimson Flowers on the Famous Dark Bishop Stems\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBishop of Auckland sits between the scarlet fire of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e and the cheerful gold of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-york-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of York\u003c\/a\u003e. The flowers are a deep, velvety crimson with bright yellow stamens glowing at the centre, carried on the characteristic dark stems that run through the whole Bishop series. BBC Gardeners' World has recommended it, which is about as mainstream as a dahlia endorsement gets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLike all the Bishops, it's a peony type with an open centre that bees can reach. The flowers are 10 to 15cm across, semi-double, with that slightly informal quality that makes peony dahlias look as if they belong in a cottage garden rather than on a show bench. At 90cm tall and 90cm wide, the plant is bushy and self-supporting. It rarely needs staking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt flowers from July through to November and produces plenty of blooms for cutting. The dark stems look particularly good in arrangements where they're left visible rather than stripped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCompanions for Bishop of Auckland\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe obvious planting is the Bishop series together: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e (scarlet), Bishop of Auckland (crimson), and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-york-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of York\u003c\/a\u003e (golden yellow), all at 90cm, dark foliage throughout, flower colour changing as you move along the border. For a scheme beyond the Bishop family, the burnt orange of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e (a seedling from Llandaff, same dark leaves) and the warm paprika of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brown-sugar-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBrown Sugar\u003c\/a\u003e (ball, 90cm) both work in the same warm register. Lilac asters provide a surprisingly good cool contrast against the dark tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We look for and reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and gardeners in Somerset on the end of the phone. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Bishop of Auckland differ from Bishop of Llandaff?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e has bright scarlet flowers and an AGM dating back to 1928. Auckland's flowers are deeper, a velvety crimson that's richer and darker. Same height, same dark foliage, same open pollinator-friendly form. Llandaff is bolder and brighter. Auckland is moodier and more velvety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Bishop of Auckland good for bees?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent. The open, semi-double form gives pollinators clear access to the central disc. If you're creating a pollinator-friendly border, the Bishop series are some of the best dahlias you can plant. Combine with other open-centred varieties and late-flowering perennials for a bee garden that runs from July to November.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Bishop of Auckland grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm with strong stems and mid-sized flowers, it's well suited to containers. Use a pot at least 30cm across and deep with rich compost, feed fortnightly from June. It rarely needs staking even in a pot. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e has more on growing dahlias in pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAre all the Bishop dahlias the same?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSame family, different flowers. They all share the dark foliage and open peony form, but the colours run from scarlet (Llandaff) through crimson (Auckland) to golden yellow (York). All are 90cm, all self-supporting, all good for pollinators. Plant three or four varieties together and the dark stems connect the scheme while the flower colours change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat aftercare does Bishop of Auckland need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeadhead spent flowers regularly, feed fortnightly with a liquid fertiliser from June, and water in dry spells. After the first frosts, lift the tubers and store them frost-free over winter. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers seasonal care, and the \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/overwintering-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eoverwintering guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains how to store tubers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999123001670,"sku":"DAHLBISOFAU-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/bishop-of-auckland-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755634234"},{"product_id":"bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers","title":"Bishop of Llandaff Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bishop of Llandaff\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peony (semi-double, open centre)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright scarlet-red with dark bronze centres\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep plum to near-black, as ornamental as the flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Long strong stems, excellent vase life\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollinators:\u003c\/strong\u003e Outstanding. Open centre gives bees and hoverflies easy access\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes (awarded 1928, one of the earliest dahlias to receive it)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bred by Fred Treseder, Cardiff, 1924. Selected by Bishop Joshua Pritchard Hughes of Llandaff\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBishop of Llandaff: The Dahlia That Made Dahlias Fashionable Again\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the Bishop, dahlias were allotment flowers. Worthy, reliable, a bit old-fashioned. Then Christopher Lloyd started planting Bishop of Llandaff at Great Dixter in the 1990s, and suddenly dark foliage with scarlet flowers was turning up in Chelsea show gardens and Sunday supplement planting schemes. The dahlia revival started here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are single to semi-double, bright scarlet with a dark central disc that bees find irresistible. But it's the foliage that changed everything: deeply cut leaves in dark plum, almost black, that would earn a place in any border even if the plant never flowered. Most dahlias have green leaves that fade into the background. The Bishop's leaves are the feature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm tall and 90cm across, it fills its space without being difficult. It rarely needs staking, which is unusual for a dahlia this size. The stems are strong and long, the flowers are excellent for cutting, and the plant produces them non-stop from July until the frosts. The AGM it received in 1928 has been confirmed at every review since. Nearly a century of proving itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Naming Story\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFred Treseder, a Cardiff nurseryman, bred it in 1924 and invited the Anglican Bishop of Llandaff, Joshua Pritchard Hughes, to select a seedling from his trial beds. The Bishop chose this one. Treseder named it 'Bishop Hughes', but the real Bishop objected to his name being used on a plant. It was changed to 'The Bishop', then changed again because naming rules forbade 'The'. They settled on 'Bishop of Llandaff'. Three names before they stuck. A whole series of Bishop dahlias has since followed, all sharing the dark foliage but with different flower colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Bishop in the Border\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDark foliage with scarlet flowers works with hot schemes and surprisingly well with cool ones. Plant the Bishop with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e (its own seedling, burnt orange with the same dark leaves) for a family planting that tells a story. For more heat, add \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rip-city-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRip City\u003c\/a\u003e (deep red semi-cactus spikes) and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-york-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of York\u003c\/a\u003e (golden yellow, same dark foliage). For a surprising contrast, try lilac asters alongside. Bronze Carex and cannas with dark leaves extend the tropical-exotic feel. Because the flowers are open-centred, Bishop of Llandaff is one of the best dahlias for pollinator gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and real people on the phone in Somerset if anything isn't right. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Bishop of Llandaff good for bees?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best dahlias you can grow for pollinators. The open, single-to-semi-double flower form means bees and hoverflies can reach the central disc easily, unlike fully double dahlias where the petals block access. If you want a dahlia border that feeds the bees as well as fills the vase, start with the Bishop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the difference between Bishop of Llandaff and David Howard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e is actually a seedling from Bishop of Llandaff, spotted by a teenager in Norfolk in the 1950s. Both share the dark foliage. The flowers are completely different: the Bishop's are single, open, scarlet, pollinator-friendly. David Howard's are fully double, rounded, burnt orange, better for cutting. Both hold the RHS AGM. Plant them together and you've got a parent-and-child border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAre there other Bishop dahlias?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA whole series. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-york-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of York\u003c\/a\u003e is golden yellow, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-auckland-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Auckland\u003c\/a\u003e is velvety crimson. All share the characteristic dark foliage from the original. They look superb planted as a group, three or four varieties running together, dark leaves throughout and the flower colours changing as you move along the border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Bishop of Llandaff grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery well. At 90cm with small 7cm flowers, it's compact and doesn't become top-heavy. It's one of the dahlias that genuinely thrives in a container. Use a pot at least 30cm across and deep, feed fortnightly from June, and plant with a bronze grass like Carex comans for a stunning patio combination. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Bishop of Llandaff need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually not, unless you're in a windy spot. The stems are strong and the flowers are small and light. A light support ring at planting time is sensible insurance but most plants hold themselves up perfectly well. Full planting and seasonal care advice is in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999124115782,"sku":"DAHLBISOFLA-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755634236"},{"product_id":"bishop-of-york-dahlia-tubers","title":"Bishop of York Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bishop of York\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peony (semi-double, open centre)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden yellow with a marmalade-orange centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark burgundy stems with mid-green leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 to 15cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Strong stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollinators:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good. Open centre with visible disc\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBishop of York: Golden Yellow with the Dark Bishop Foliage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bishop series is famous for dark foliage and open, pollinator-friendly flowers. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e, the original from 1924, is scarlet. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-auckland-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Auckland\u003c\/a\u003e is velvety crimson. Bishop of York is the warm one: bright golden-yellow petals with a marmalade-orange centre, carried against dark burgundy stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a peony type, meaning the flowers are semi-double with an open centre that bees and hoverflies can reach. The 10 to 15cm blooms aren't as formal as a decorative or ball dahlia, and that's the charm. They look natural, slightly informal, more cottage garden than Chelsea show garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm tall and 90cm wide, Bishop of York is bushy and generous with its space. It rarely needs staking, which is unusual for a dahlia this size. The stems are strong, the flowers aren't top-heavy, and the whole plant has a relaxed, self-supporting habit. It flowers from July to November without much fuss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Goes with Bishop of York\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the Bishop series together for a stunning dark-foliaged border with flowers running from scarlet through crimson to gold: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e (scarlet), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-auckland-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Auckland\u003c\/a\u003e (crimson), and Bishop of York (golden yellow). The dark stems connect them even though the flower colours differ. For a contrast in form, add the tight geometric spheres of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ariston-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eAriston\u003c\/a\u003e (rusty red ball dahlia). Cannas with bronze foliage, Helenium and Rudbeckia are natural late-summer companions. Ornamental grasses in bronze or buff tones complete the warm, exotic feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Bishop of York part of the same series as Bishop of Llandaff?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The Bishop series all share the distinctive dark foliage that \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e made famous. Each variety has different flower colours but the same dark-stemmed, semi-double, open-centred form. Plant them together and the dark stems run through the border like a thread, connecting scarlet, crimson, and gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Bishop of York good for bees?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The open, semi-double peony form means pollinators can reach the central disc easily. Fully double dahlias (decorative, ball, pompon) have petals covering the centre, blocking access. If you're planting for wildlife, the Bishop series and other open-centred types are the ones to choose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Bishop of York grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery well. At 90cm with a bushy habit and strong stems, it's compact enough for a large container. Plant with a bronze grass for a patio combination that echoes the dark stems. Use a pot at least 30cm across and deep, feed fortnightly from June. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Bishop of York need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually not. The stems are strong, the flowers aren't heavy, and the bushy habit supports itself. In an exposed, windy garden a light ring at planting time is sensible, but most plants manage without. Growing advice is in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Bishop of York compare to David Howard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e is a seedling from Bishop of Llandaff with dark foliage and fully double, rounded burnt-orange flowers. Bishop of York has semi-double, open-centred golden-yellow flowers, better for pollinators but less structured for cutting. Both are 90cm, both easy to grow. Dark foliage with pollinator access: Bishop of York. Dark foliage with cutting-quality double blooms: David Howard.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999124181318,"sku":"DAHLBISOFYO-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/bishop-of-york-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249873"},{"product_id":"boom-boom-white-dahlia-tubers","title":"Boom Boom White Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boom Boom White\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ball dahlia\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft white with a hint of greenish-yellow at the centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10cm across (up to 15cm with disbudding)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 65cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Strong thick stems, outstanding vase life. A florist favourite for weddings\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBoom Boom White: The Cutting Garden Ball Dahlia That Florists Queue For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've ever had dahlias in a professional flower arrangement, chances are Boom Boom White was in there. It's one of the best cutting dahlias in the range, full stop. The white ball-shaped flowers are 10cm across (up to 15cm if you disbud), the stems are thick and strong, and vase life is a solid five days minimum. Florists use it for weddings because the clean white colour, perfect ball form and reliable stems are exactly what you need when fifty table arrangements have to be identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the garden, the effect is quieter but no less useful. The tightly spiralled white globes are the linking element in any mixed dahlia planting. They provide a visual pause between louder colours and make everything around them look more considered. The plant is compact at 100cm, fresh green foliage, prolific from July to November.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDisbud for larger blooms or leave it to produce freely. Either way, you'll have white ball dahlias from midsummer to the frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBoom Boom White in the Border\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhite is the universal companion. Plant alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e (near-black) for maximum contrast, or the warm terracotta of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brown-sugar-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBrown Sugar\u003c\/a\u003e for a ball-on-ball pairing in contrasting tones. In an all-white scheme, combine with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/supreme-cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait Supreme\u003c\/a\u003e (white dinnerplate) and the white pompon \u003ca href=\"\/products\/small-world-pom-pom-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSmall World\u003c\/a\u003e (AGM holder) for three white dahlias in three different forms. The soft pink of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wizard-of-oz-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWizard of Oz\u003c\/a\u003e (another compact ball) provides a gentle tonal shift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and the team in Somerset if anything isn't right. Browse our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eball dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Boom Boom White good for weddings?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best. The clean white colour, perfect ball form, strong stems and reliable vase life make it a florist staple for bouquets and table centres. Plant generously if you're growing for a wedding. The more you cut, the more it produces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I make the flowers bigger?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisbud. When a stem produces a central bud with two side buds, pinch out the side buds. All the plant's energy goes into the remaining bloom, which can reach 15cm instead of 10cm. Combine with generous feeding for the biggest flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Boom Boom White grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. At 100cm with moderate-sized flowers, it stays proportionate in a container of at least 30cm across. The clean white flowers look crisp against any pot colour. Feed fortnightly from June. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does it compare to Cafe au Lait Supreme as a white dahlia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompletely different scale and form. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/supreme-cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait Supreme\u003c\/a\u003e is a giant dinnerplate, 25cm across, needing serious staking. Boom Boom White is a compact ball, 10cm across, self-supporting, and much easier to grow and cut. Supreme is the drama queen. Boom Boom White is the workhorse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the best way to condition dahlia stems?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut fully open flowers early in the morning. Strip the lower leaves and stand the stems in hot (not boiling) water for an hour. The heat drives air out of the hollow stems, which helps them take up water. Then transfer to a clean vase, change the water every two days, and keep away from direct sun and ripening fruit. Full growing and aftercare advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999127327046,"sku":"DAHLBOOBOOWH-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/boom-boom-white-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249844"},{"product_id":"bora-bora-dahlia-tubers","title":"Bora Bora Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bora Bora\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-cactus\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coral pink shading to yellow at the centre, sunburst effect\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 to 20cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Strong upright stems, rain-resistant form\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBora Bora: Coral Pink Sunbursts That Shrug Off the Rain\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBora Bora is a semi-cactus dahlia with a sunburst colour scheme: coral pink outer petals that shade to warm yellow at the centre, creating a radiant glow. The semi-cactus form means the petals are rolled and pointed rather than flat, which gives each 15 to 20cm bloom a star-shaped quality and the practical advantage of shedding rainwater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm with strong, upright stems and bushy dark green foliage, it's a solid mid-border plant. The rain resistance is a genuine selling point. Where large flat-petalled decorative dahlias collapse in a British downpour, Bora Bora's star-shaped flowers shed the water and keep going.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBora Bora in the Border\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe coral-to-yellow gradient works in tropical and warm schemes. Plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e (scarlet, dark foliage) and cannas for a hot, exotic border. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brown-sugar-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBrown Sugar\u003c\/a\u003e (paprika ball, 90cm) picks up the warm tones in a different form. For cutting, the long stems and rain-resistant flowers make Bora Bora a reliable choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ecactus dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Bora Bora good in the rain?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetter than most. The semi-cactus form means rolled, pointed petals that shed water rather than cupping it. The flowers aren't top-heavy either. In a wet British summer, that's a genuine advantage over dinnerplate types.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Bora Bora grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm it's borderline. A large pot (at least 35cm) with staking and regular feeding will work. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers what works in containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Bora Bora good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent. Strong stems, rain-resistant flowers, and the coral-to-yellow gradient looks striking in a vase. Cut only fully open blooms. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999127392582,"sku":"DAHLBORBOR-TUBER","price":5.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/bora-bora-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249844"},{"product_id":"break-out-dahlia-tubers","title":"Break Out Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Break Out\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (dinnerplate)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Light pink with a yellow centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Strong stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreak Out: A Pink Dinnerplate Dahlia with a Sunny Centre\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBreak Out is a large decorative dahlia with light pink petals surrounding a warm yellow centre. At 20cm across, the flowers are firmly in dinnerplate territory, and the soft colour combination gives them a fresh, approachable look that works in both pastel and warm planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 120cm with a 75cm spread, it's a substantial plant that needs staking and a position towards the back of a sunny border. The stems are strong and the flowers are produced freely from July to the frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCompanions for Break Out\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pink-and-yellow colour works alongside soft pastel schemes. Plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gerrie-hoek-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGerrie Hoek\u003c\/a\u003e (shell pink waterlily, 120cm) for a pink scheme in two different flower forms. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-swan-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWhite Swan\u003c\/a\u003e (white decorative, same height) keeps things cool alongside. For contrast, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e (near-black, 90cm in front) anchors the scheme with depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and gardeners in Somerset on the phone. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Break Out grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 120cm with 20cm flowers, it's too big for a container. Grow it in deep border soil with proper staking. For a pink dahlia that suits pots, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/daisy-duke-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDaisy Duke\u003c\/a\u003e (coral-pink, 90cm) is a better choice. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Break Out need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. At 120cm with dinnerplate flowers, it needs sturdy support from planting time. Full growing and aftercare advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Break Out good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery. The 20cm flowers make a statement in a vase, and the light pink is versatile in arrangements. Cut only fully open blooms. The large heads drink a lot of water, so keep the vase topped up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999128768838,"sku":"DAHLBREOUT-Tuber","price":5.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/break-out-dahlia-flower.jpg?v=1755249844"},{"product_id":"brown-sugar-dahlia-tubers","title":"Brown Sugar Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brown Sugar\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ball dahlia\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Terracotta, paprika, apricot and copper, all in one bloom. Deepens towards the centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 to 12cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Long, straight stems. Excellent for autumn arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Raised by Roger Adams Jr., Pleasant Valley Glads and Dahlias, Connecticut, 2003\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBrown Sugar: A Ball Dahlia in a Colour You Can't Quite Pin Down\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTry to describe the colour of Brown Sugar and you'll end up listing four or five words. Terracotta. Paprika. Apricot. Copper. A hint of burnt sienna. All of them are present in a single bloom, layered from a deeper, richer centre to paler outer petals. It's the colour of autumn condensed into a flower, and it's one of those dahlias that's easier to photograph than to describe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRaised in 2003 by Roger Adams Jr. at Pleasant Valley Glads and Dahlias in Connecticut, Brown Sugar is a ball dahlia, which means each petal curls inward to build a tight, spiralling globe. The flowers are 10 to 12cm across, a good practical size for bouquets and arrangements. The stems are long and straight, naturally upright, and the plant produces them freely from July to November.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm with a 60cm spread, it's manageable in a border and possible in a large pot. The warm tones deepen as the season progresses into autumn, so it gets better as the light gets lower. Space plants about 75cm apart for the best effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Partners for Brown Sugar\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWarm tones against warm tones, with something darker to anchor the scheme. Plant Brown Sugar alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/daisy-duke-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDaisy Duke\u003c\/a\u003e (coral-pink decorative, same height, different form) and the heritage apricot of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e (semi-cactus spikes, 120cm behind). For depth, add the deep maroon of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e (ball, 120cm) or the near-black of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rip-city-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRip City\u003c\/a\u003e. Buff grasses like Stipa gigantea and red hot pokers (Kniphofia) extend the border into a full late-summer warm scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and real people on the phone in Somerset. Browse our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eball dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat colour is Brown Sugar, exactly?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's the question. The petals blend terracotta, paprika, apricot and copper in a single bloom, deepening from the outer edges towards a richer centre. Cooler autumn nights intensify the tones. If you've seen it described as \"warm orange\" or \"burnt umber\" elsewhere, they're not wrong either. The shifting, layered quality is the whole point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Brown Sugar good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent. The long, straight stems make it one of the easiest ball dahlias to arrange. The 10 to 12cm flowers are the ideal scale for bouquets, and the warm colour mixes beautifully with deeper dahlias like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e. Cut only fully open blooms, early in the morning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Brown Sugar grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm with mid-sized flowers, it'll work in a container of at least 30cm across and deep. Feed fortnightly and water regularly. The warm tones look particularly good in a terracotta pot. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e has more detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does a ball dahlia differ from a pompon?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize. Both have the same tightly spiralled, globe-shaped form. Pompon dahlias are under 5cm across, ball dahlias are 5 to 15cm. Brown Sugar at 10 to 12cm is firmly in ball territory. The tight structure makes both types more rain-tolerant than flat-petalled decorative dahlias. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/types-of-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003etypes of dahlias guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains the classifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I store Brown Sugar tubers over winter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the first frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems to 15cm, lift the tubers, brush off loose soil and dry for a day or two. Store somewhere cool, dark and frost-free. Check monthly for rot. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/overwintering-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eoverwintering dahlias guide\u003c\/a\u003e walks through the process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999129489734,"sku":"DAHLBROSUG-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/brown-sugar-ball-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249844"},{"product_id":"burlesca-dahlia-tubers","title":"Burlesca Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Burlesca\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pompon\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blends of apricot, plum and yellow in a single bloom\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Good stems, ideal scale for arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBurlesca: A Pompon Dahlia in Three Colours at Once\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBurlesca is a pompon dahlia with an unusual colour trick: each tiny 5cm bloom blends apricot, plum and yellow in shifting proportions. The outer petals tend towards plum, the inner ones towards apricot and yellow, so every flower looks like a miniature sunset. No two are identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm with strong stems and a 60cm spread, it's taller than most pompons. The compact flowers bob charmingly in a breeze without damage, and the multi-coloured blooms give the plant more visual weight than a single-colour pompon. It flowers freely from July to November.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere to Plant Burlesca\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe multi-tone colour mixes well with warm schemes. Plant alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e (deep maroon ball, 120cm behind) for a pairing where the apricot tones lift the dark red. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/golden-sceptre-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGolden Sceptre\u003c\/a\u003e (yellow ball, 90cm) picks up the yellow element. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sylvia-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSylvia\u003c\/a\u003e (warm orange ball with brown stems, 80cm) echoes the apricot in a different form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We look for and reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and real people on the phone in Somerset. Browse our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pom-pom-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epompon dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Burlesca a pompon or a ball dahlia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePompon. The flowers are around 5cm across, right at the pompon\/ball boundary. The tight, globular form is the same for both types. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/types-of-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia types guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains the classification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Burlesca grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm it's manageable in a large container (at least 30cm across). The small flowers don't make it top-heavy. Feed fortnightly from June. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e has more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Burlesca good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pompon scale is perfect for small arrangements and posies. The stems are good and the multi-coloured blooms add interest. Cut only fully open flowers. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999130767686,"sku":"DAHLBUR-TUBER","price":4.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/burlesca-dahlia-flower.jpg?v=1755249846"},{"product_id":"cafe-au-lait-dahlia-tubers","title":"Cafe au Lait Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cafe au Lait\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (giant\/dinnerplate)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Opens pale pink, shifts through peach, buff and warm cream. Ends up the colour of milky coffee\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 25cm (10in) across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100 to 120cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 70cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frosts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Strong stems, superb for arrangements and wedding work\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bred by D. Bruidegom, Baarn, Holland, introduced 1968\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCafe au Lait: Probably the Most Famous Dahlia in the World\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf ever a flower was perfectly named, Cafe au Lait is it. The blooms open pale pink and drift, over the course of days, through peach, buff, warm cream and a dozen shades in between, ending up the colour of a really good milky coffee. No two flowers are at quite the same stage at the same time, so the effect across a clump is a rolling wash of muted, warm tones rather than a single fixed colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt pairs with everything without fading into the background, which is exactly why florists, brides and garden designers have been fighting over it since Bruidegom introduced it in the Netherlands in 1968. The flowers are enormous: fully double dinnerplate heads up to 25cm across, with broad, slightly ruffled petals arranged informally. They're carried on strong stems that hold the blooms upright for cutting, and the plant flowers continuously from midsummer until the frosts stop it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt became a worldwide sell-out after featuring in Martha Stewart Weddings, and it still sells out most springs. If you want it, order early.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Cafe au Lait Family\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSince 1998, three sports have been added to the original. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/supreme-cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSupreme\u003c\/a\u003e is the pure white version, same flower form, clean buttercream, no pink tones at all. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-royal-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRoyal\u003c\/a\u003e starts pinker and stays pinker, with more obvious streaking and a stronger presence. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-twist-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eTwist\u003c\/a\u003e has raspberry ripples over a cream base. All four are the same height and flower at the same time, so they work beautifully planted together. Or buy the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mixed-cafe-au-lait-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait mixed collection\u003c\/a\u003e for the best price on a combination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Partners for Cafe au Lait\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe muted, shifting tones suit tonal schemes. Plant all four Cafe au Lait varieties together for a gradient from white through coffee to dusky pink. For contrast, the deep plum globes of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e (ball dahlia, bred by the great Cor Geerlings of Heemstede) in front bring both colour depth and a tight, geometric shape against the ruffled dinnerplates. The burnt orange and dark foliage of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e make it a natural companion at the same height. Anemanthele lessoniana picks up the warm tones perfectly, and Japanese anemones extend the season alongside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset if anything isn't right. Browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Cafe au Lait should I buy?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat depends on what you want from the colour. The original (this one) gives you the widest range of shifting tones, from pink through peach and buff into coffee, and no two flowers match. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/supreme-cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSupreme\u003c\/a\u003e is a clean buttercream white, the one florists reach for when they need a reliable neutral. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-royal-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRoyal\u003c\/a\u003e is the most intensely pink. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-twist-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eTwist\u003c\/a\u003e is cream with raspberry markings. If you can't decide, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mixed-cafe-au-lait-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003emixed collection\u003c\/a\u003e gives you three varieties for the best price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Cafe au Lait a good dahlia for weddings?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's the dahlia for weddings, the one that started the whole trend. The shifting warm tones work in almost any colour scheme, the flowers are large enough to be a focal bloom, and the stems cut well. Plant plenty and cut generously. The more you take, the more it produces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill the colour be predictable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot really, and that's the appeal. Blooms on the same plant will be at different colour stages at any one time, and temperature affects the range: cooler autumn nights bring softer, more muted tones. If you need a fixed colour, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/supreme-cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSupreme\u003c\/a\u003e (white) or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-royal-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRoyal\u003c\/a\u003e (pink) are more consistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Cafe au Lait in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot successfully. At 120cm tall with 25cm flowers that hold rainwater, it's too big, too hungry and too top-heavy for a container. It needs deep, rich border soil and serious staking. If you want a dahlia for pots in similar soft tones, try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arbatax-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArbatax\u003c\/a\u003e (white with pink edges, 90cm) or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/karma-prospero-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eKarma Prospero\u003c\/a\u003e (lilac-pink waterlily, 90cm). Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I make Cafe au Lait last longer in a vase?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut in the morning when stems are full of water, choosing only fully open flowers. Dahlia buds won't open in the vase. Stand the stems in hot water for an hour to condition them, then transfer to a clean vase. Change the water every two days. The huge flower heads drink a lot, so keep the vase topped up. Expect five to six days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999131390278,"sku":"DAHLCAFAULA-TUBER","price":5.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/cafe-au-lait-dahlia-flower-head.jpg?v=1755634273"},{"product_id":"cafe-au-lait-royal-dahlia-tubers","title":"Cafe au Lait Royal Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cafe au Lait Royal\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (giant\/dinnerplate)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dusky pink opening to strawberry-milkshake, fading through cappuccino and blush. Variable and streaked\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 25cm (10in) across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90 to 120cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 70cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frosts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Strong stems, superb vase life\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sport of the original Cafe au Lait (Bruidegom, 1968)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCafe au Lait Royal: The Pink One, and No Two Flowers Are Quite the Same\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRoyal is the Cafe au Lait family member that people either adore or find slightly exasperating, depending on whether they want predictability from their dahlias. The blooms open a warm, saturated pink, closer to strawberry milkshake than pastel, then shift through dusky rose, faded cappuccino and streaky blush as they age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIndividual flowers on the same plant will be at different stages simultaneously, so the overall effect is a rolling palette of muted pinks and coffees rather than a single, fixed colour. If you've seen it on Pinterest tagged as \"dusty rose dahlia\" or \"muted wedding dahlia,\" this is probably the one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flower form is the same as the rest of the Cafe au Lait series: enormous fully double dinnerplate heads, up to 25cm across, with broad ruffled petals arranged informally. Stems are strong enough for cutting without the heads nodding, and vase life is good, typically five to six days. It flowers from midsummer right through to the first frosts, and like all dahlias, the more you cut, the more it produces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to Plant Alongside Royal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRoyal looks its best in tonal schemes. Plant with the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eoriginal Cafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/supreme-cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSupreme\u003c\/a\u003e for a gradient running from pure white through milky coffee into dusky pink, all the same height, all flowering at the same time. For a richer contrast, try it alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e (burnt orange, dark bronze foliage) or the deep red of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/baccara-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBaccara\u003c\/a\u003e. At the front of the border, the warm peach-and-purple globes of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wine-eyed-jill-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWine Eyed Jill\u003c\/a\u003e (a compact ball dahlia, 90cm) pick up the warm tones in a completely different form. Anemanthele lessoniana or soft Pennisetum catch evening light beautifully against faded pink flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We look for and reject undersized tubers and clumps lacking enough growing points. Delivered by next-day courier from March onwards, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset if anything isn't right. Want all the Cafes in one go? Try the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mixed-cafe-au-lait-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait mixed collection\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Royal differ from the original Cafe au Lait?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour intensity. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eoriginal\u003c\/a\u003e opens pale pink and fades through peach, buff and milky coffee, a gentle, warm-neutral palette. Royal starts pinker and stays pinker, with more obvious streaking. Flower form and size are the same. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/supreme-cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSupreme\u003c\/a\u003e is the pure white variant, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-twist-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eTwist\u003c\/a\u003e has raspberry streaks over cream.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill the colour be consistent?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot at all, and that's part of the appeal. Blooms on the same plant will be at different colour stages at any one time, from fresh saturated pink to faded blush. Temperature affects it too: cooler autumn nights produce softer, more muted tones. If you need a reliable fixed pink, Royal isn't the right choice. If you want a shifting, romantic display, it's perfect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Cafe au Lait Royal good for weddings?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most popular with florists. The shifting pink tones suit dusky, romantic colour schemes especially well, and the stems are strong enough for bouquets and table arrangements. Plant generously. The more you cut, the more it flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Cafe au Lait Royal in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot well enough to be worth it. At 120cm tall with 25cm flowers that hold rainwater, Royal needs deep border soil, heavy staking and room to spread. In a pot it'll be permanently hungry, top-heavy and disappointing. For a pink dahlia that works well in a container, try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/caitlins-joy-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCaitlin's Joy\u003c\/a\u003e (bright pink ball, compact and weather-proof) or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/karma-prospero-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eKarma Prospero\u003c\/a\u003e (lilac-pink waterlily, 90cm, bred for cutting). Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers what works and what doesn't.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat happens if I don't deadhead regularly?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowering slows down. Once a dahlia starts setting seed it redirects energy away from new buds. With Royal, the spent flower heads are large and visible, so they're easy to spot and snip. If life gets in the way for a week or two, just cut everything spent back hard when you get round to it, give the plant a liquid feed, and it'll pick up. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers deadheading and seasonal care in detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999131586886,"sku":"DAHLCAFAULARO-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/cafe-au-lait-royal-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249846"},{"product_id":"cafe-au-lait-twist-dahlia-tubers","title":"Cafe au Lait Twist Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cafe au Lait Twist\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (giant\/dinnerplate)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Creamy white with raspberry-pink streaks and splashes. Variable between blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 25cm (10in) across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 70cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frosts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Strong stems, held upright\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sport of the original Cafe au Lait (Bruidegom, 1968), introduced post-1998\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCafe au Lait Twist: Raspberry Ripple on a Dinnerplate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhere the other Cafe au Lait varieties deal in subtle shifts of tone, Twist announces itself. The base colour is creamy white, but every bloom carries bold raspberry-pink streaks and splashes. Some petals are barely marked, others heavily flushed, so each flower looks hand-painted, and no two are identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn a good plant in full flower, you'll have blooms ranging from almost white with a single pink brushstroke to heavily striped heads that are more raspberry than cream. The pattern is unpredictable. That's the whole point. The flower form is pure Cafe au Lait: enormous fully double dinnerplate heads up to 25cm across, with the same broad, informally ruffled petals as the rest of the family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStems are strong enough for cutting, and the plant flowers from midsummer through to the frosts. At 120cm it's the tallest of the Cafe au Lait group and will definitely need staking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Alongside Twist\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTwist works well planted among its siblings. Put it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/supreme-cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSupreme\u003c\/a\u003e (pure white) and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eoriginal Cafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e (milky coffee tones) for a mixed planting where the raspberry streaks add punctuation without clashing. The combination with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e in front (soft apricot semi-cactus at a shorter height, introduced in 1911 and still one of the best cutters in the business) gives you a warm-toned border with real textural depth. For something cooler, try pairing Twist with purple or mauve late-summer perennials: Salvia 'Amistad', or dusky Pennisetum grasses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe import first-class dahlia tubers directly and hand-grade them here. We look for and reject undersized tubers and clumps lacking enough growing points. Your dahlias will be delivered from March by next-day courier, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Want several Cafe au Lait varieties together? The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mixed-cafe-au-lait-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait mixed collection\u003c\/a\u003e is the best-value way to buy them, or browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Twist differ from the other Cafe au Lait varieties?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarkings. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eoriginal\u003c\/a\u003e shifts gradually through pink, peach, buff and cream, soft and tonal. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/supreme-cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSupreme\u003c\/a\u003e is a clean buttercream white with no variation. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-royal-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRoyal\u003c\/a\u003e is the deepest pink with streaking but a consistently strong base colour. Twist is the boldest contrast: white petals with obvious raspberry stripes. If the others are watercolour, Twist is brushwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill every flower have the stripes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost all will show some raspberry marking, but the intensity varies enormously from bloom to bloom. Some flowers will be lightly splashed, others heavily striped. Temperature, maturity and position on the plant all play a part. This unpredictability is characteristic of striped dahlia sports. For formal arrangements requiring identical flowers, Twist may frustrate you. For mixed garden displays and loose bouquets, the variation is an asset.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Cafe au Lait Twist in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 120cm, Twist is the tallest of the Cafe au Lait family, and 25cm flowers on a tall stem will catch every gust. In a container it'll be permanently top-heavy, thirsty and undernourished. Grow it in deep border soil with proper staking. If you want a striped or bicoloured dahlia for a pot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/checkers-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCheckers\u003c\/a\u003e (red and white miniature decorative) or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wine-eyed-jill-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWine Eyed Jill\u003c\/a\u003e (peach and purple ball, 90cm) are better options. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the full picture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Cafe au Lait Twist good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery. The stems are strong and hold the flowers upright, and the striped pattern makes each stem a talking point. Cut generously. The more you take, the more the plant produces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I make cut dahlias last longer in water?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe single most important thing: never cut buds, because they won't open once they leave the plant. You need flowers that are already fully open. After that, condition the stems by standing them in hot water for an hour, use a clean vase, change the water every couple of days, and keep the arrangement away from direct sun and fruit bowls (ethylene from ripening fruit ages the petals). Treated well, Twist should give you five to six days. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers planting, feeding and overwintering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999131816262,"sku":"DAHLCAFAULATW-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/cafe-au-lait-twist-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249871"},{"product_id":"cafe-de-paris-dahlia-tubers","title":"Café de Paris Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cafe de Paris\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cactus\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Creamy white with soft peach tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Strong stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCafe de Paris: A Cactus Dahlia in Coffee-House Colours\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCafe de Paris extends the Cafe au Lait family name into cactus dahlia territory. The flowers are a creamy white with soft peach tones, carried on long, narrow, pointed petals that give each 15cm bloom the spiky, architectural look that distinguishes cactus types from the rounder decorative forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm with a narrow 50cm spread, it's an upright, manageable plant. The cactus form means the petals shed rain rather than cupping it, so it handles wet weather better than the flat-petalled Cafe au Lait dinnerplates. It flowers from July to November.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlacing Cafe de Paris\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe creamy-peach tones work alongside the Cafe au Lait family. Plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e (milky coffee dinnerplate) for a tonal scheme in two different forms: spiky cactus against ruffled dinnerplate. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e (apricot semi-cactus, 120cm) is a natural companion in the same spiky family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ecactus dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Cafe de Paris related to Cafe au Lait?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey share the name but not the flower form. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e is a ruffled dinnerplate decorative. Cafe de Paris is a spiky cactus. The colour palette is similar: soft, warm, coffee-house neutrals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Cafe de Paris grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm with a narrow spread, it's manageable in a large pot. Cactus types handle wind slightly better than flat decorative dahlias. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Cafe de Paris good in the rain?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetter than decorative types. The rolled cactus petals shed water instead of holding it. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999131849030,"sku":"DAHLCAFPAR-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/cafe-de-paris-dahlia-flower-head.jpg?v=1755249846"},{"product_id":"caitlins-joy-dahlia-tubers","title":"Caitlin's Joy Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caitlin's Joy\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ball dahlia\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vivid pink with a hint of apricot at the petal centres\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 to 10cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Straight stems, compact blooms, ideal for posies and bouquets\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sport (natural mutation) of Cornel. Geerlings family lineage\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCaitlin's Joy: The Pink Sport of Cornel, and Just as Productive\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCaitlin's Joy is one of at least five known sports of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e, the great maroon ball dahlia bred by Cor and Nellie Geerlings. Sports are natural mutations, a single branch that flowers in a different colour from the rest of the plant. Somebody spotted a pink branch on a Cornel and propagated it. The result inherited everything that makes Cornel a commercial cut flower workhorse: the weather-proof ball form, the tireless productivity, the straight, strong stems. Just in vivid pink with a warm apricot flush at the petal centres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are 8 to 10cm across, tightly spiralled, satisfying to look at and touch. The plant is tall at 120cm but the strong stems usually hold without staking in a sheltered spot. It flowers from July to November, producing generously all season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn a cutting bed, Caitlin's Joy is as reliable as its parent. Straight stems, consistent flower size, and a colour that sits in the useful middle ground between true pink and warm coral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCompanions for Caitlin's Joy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe obvious pairing is with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e itself: mother and daughter, deep maroon and vivid pink, same form, same height. Add the white ball \u003ca href=\"\/products\/boom-boom-white-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBoom Boom White\u003c\/a\u003e for a three-colour ball dahlia scheme. For a warmer border, the soft apricot of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e (semi-cactus) gives textural contrast, spiky against round, at a similar height. Cosmos, salvias and soft grasses are natural border companions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee and gardeners in Somerset on the phone if you need us. Browse our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eball dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's a sport?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sport is a natural genetic mutation where a single branch of a plant produces flowers in a different colour from the rest. It's not a cross or a hybrid. The branch is identical to the parent in every way except colour. If you propagate that branch, you get a new variety. Caitlin's Joy was spotted as a pink branch on the otherwise maroon \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e. All the Cafe au Lait family are sports of the same original plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Caitlin's Joy good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best pink ball dahlias for the vase. Straight stems, consistent flower size, excellent vase life. The compact 8 to 10cm flowers are ideal for posies and mixed bouquets where you want pink without overwhelming the arrangement. Pick fully open, condition in hot water for an hour. Expect five to seven days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Caitlin's Joy in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 120cm it's tall for a container, but the strong stems keep it manageable. Use a pot of at least 35cm across and deep with a cane for support. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does it compare to Wizard of Oz?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/wizard-of-oz-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWizard of Oz\u003c\/a\u003e is a smaller, more compact ball dahlia (80cm, 5 to 8cm flowers) in a softer pink that fades to white. Caitlin's Joy is taller, bigger-flowered, and holds its vivid pink all season. Wizard of Oz is better for pots. Caitlin's Joy is better for cutting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat other Cornel sports are there?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCornel has produced at least five known sports, all sharing the same weather-proof ball form and tireless productivity. Cornel Brons (the sport that holds the RHS AGM) and Caitlin's Joy (this variety) are the most widely available. The entire family traces back to the Geerlings nursery in Heemstede. Full planting and seasonal care in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999131914566,"sku":"DAHLCAIJOY-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/caitlins-joy-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249847"},{"product_id":"chat-noir-dahlia-tubers","title":"Chat Noir Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003ch2\u003eChat Noir Dahlia Tubers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChat Noir is a sumptuous cactus dahlia. It's hugely popular for its ruby-red flowers, which are up to 15cm across, almost black at the centre, and silky soft. The spiky petals are pointed, long and narrow, with a slight, undulating upturn toward the tips. The stiff, robust, 1.1m stems are a complementary deep chocolate brown. It makes a wonderful cut flower, lasting well in a vase, and it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/cactus-dahlia-tubers\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003eBrowse our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/cactus-dahlia-tubers\"\u003ecactus dahlia range\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGarden Design Ideas\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing a tall and stately dahlia, Chat Noir is best grown towards the back of a border, where it'll bring drama and exotic good looks. Combine it with other late-summer stars. It works best in generous groups. Be daring and combine it with other bold colours for a stunning display: think vibrant pinks, copper-oranges, and bright tangerine varieties. It looks sublime with cottage-garden favourites such as Foeniculum vulgare 'Giant Bronze', ruby red sedums, or a veil of ornamental grasses to soften its architectural good looks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways grow in full sun, in a big pot, if necessary, with well-drained soil. Stake well in early summer to stop those big exotic flowers flopping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColour: deep wine red, near black at the centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlower size: 12-15cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: cactus dahlia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCutting: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight\/spread: 1.1m x 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowering: July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting months: late February to July\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRHS Award of Garden Merit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Trivia\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo tell a spent dahlia flower from a bud, remember that a spent flower is always conical, whereas an unopened bud is rounded.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999139909958,"sku":"DAHLCHATNOI-TUBER","price":5.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/chat-noir-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249847"},{"product_id":"checkers-dahlia-tubers","title":"Checkers Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Checkers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (miniature)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep burgundy-red with pure white petal tips. One of the most reliable bicolours\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 10cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frosts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Superb. Compact bicolour blooms that florists reach for\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCheckers: The Bicolour Dahlia That Cut Flower Growers Swear By\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCheckers is the kind of dahlia that catches your eye from across the garden and makes you walk over to look properly. The deep burgundy-red petals are tipped with pure white, sharp and clean, giving each flower a chequered effect that is consistent enough to rely on but variable enough to keep things interesting. Some blooms are more heavily white-tipped than others. A few will be almost entirely dark. But the overall effect across a plant in full flower is unmistakeable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCut flower grower Georgie Newberry counts Checkers among her favourites, and you can see why. At 10cm across with compact, neatly formed decorative blooms on a narrow, upright plant, it's built for cutting. The stems are strong, the flowers are the right scale for bouquets, and the bicolour pattern makes every stem a talking point. A handful of Checkers in a jam jar on the kitchen table is one of the simplest, best-looking autumn arrangements you can make.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm tall and just 45cm across, Checkers takes up very little border space. It works in a large pot, slots into the middle of a mixed border, and the compact habit means it rarely needs heavy staking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to Plant with Checkers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe bicolour pattern gives you flexibility. Plant Checkers alongside the pure white ball \u003ca href=\"\/products\/boom-boom-white-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBoom Boom White\u003c\/a\u003e to pick up the white tips, and the deep maroon \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e to echo the burgundy. For something warmer, the soft apricot of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e (semi-cactus) bridges between the dark and light tones. Pink Cosmos 'Candy Stripe' at the feet and white Cosmos 'Purity' behind create a cottage-garden effect. If you're growing an exotic border, try it backed by cannas or the bold leaves of Ricinus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and the team in Somerset. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill every flower have the white tips?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost will, but the intensity varies. Some blooms will be heavily tipped, others lightly marked. The occasional flower may revert to solid dark red. This is normal for bicolour dahlia varieties. Temperature and maturity both affect the patterning. Checkers is one of the more consistent bicolours, but no striped or tipped dahlia is identical from bloom to bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Checkers good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best bicolour dahlias for arrangements. The compact 10cm flowers are the right scale for bouquets without dominating, the stems are strong, and the chequerboard pattern gives each stem character. Pick fully open flowers, condition in hot water for an hour. Expect five to six days in a vase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Checkers in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. At 100cm with a narrow 45cm spread and compact flowers, it stays proportionate in a container of at least 30cm across. The bicolour blooms look particularly striking in a simple dark pot. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Checkers compare to Tartan?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/tartan-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eTartan\u003c\/a\u003e is also bicolour but on a much bigger scale: 15 to 20cm dinnerplate flowers in blackcurrant and white. Checkers is compact (10cm), more manageable, and the burgundy-red with white tips gives a softer effect than Tartan's bold stripes. Tartan is the drama. Checkers is the versatile cutter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Checkers need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a sheltered spot, probably not. The compact habit and moderate flower size keep it stable. In wind, a single cane is enough. Full planting and seasonal care in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999139975494,"sku":"DAHLCHE-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/checkers-dahlia-flowers-1.jpg?v=1755249848"},{"product_id":"cool-evening-dahlia-tubers","title":"Cool Evening Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cool Evening\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vivid pink and yellow bicolour\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCool Evening: Vivid Pink and Yellow in a Single Bloom\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCool Evening is a decorative dahlia with a striking colour split: vivid pink petals with warm yellow at the centre. The combination is bold and cheerful, the kind of flower that catches the eye from across a garden. At 15cm across, the blooms are a good practical size for borders and cutting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm with a 60cm spread, it's a manageable mid-border plant that flowers from July to November. Stakes at planting time are sensible insurance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCompanions for Cool Evening\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe vivid pink-and-yellow works alongside other bold colours. Plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/golden-sceptre-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGolden Sceptre\u003c\/a\u003e (yellow ball, 90cm) to pick up the yellow tones. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pooh-collarette-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePooh\u003c\/a\u003e (red and yellow collarette, 90cm) shares the same cheerful energy. For contrast, the deep maroon of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e anchors the scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and real people on the phone in Somerset. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Cool Evening grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm it's borderline. A large pot with staking will work. For a colourful compact dahlia for pots, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-pablo-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Pablo\u003c\/a\u003e (yellow with peach tips, 50cm) is a better fit. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e has more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Cool Evening good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strong stems and 15cm flowers make it a decent cutter. The vivid colour makes each stem a talking point. Cut only fully open blooms. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999152820550,"sku":"DAHLCOOEVE-Tuber","price":4.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/cool-evening-dahlia-flower-head.jpg?v=1755249848"},{"product_id":"cornel-dahlia-tubers","title":"Cornel Dahlia Plants \u0026 Tubers Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cornel\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ball dahlia\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep maroon-red with a hint of purple at the centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 to 10cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Strong stems, perfect bouquet size, good vase life\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No (but AGM holder Cornel Brons is a sport of this variety)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cor and Nellie Geerlings, Heemstede, Netherlands, 1994. Named after both of them: Cor + Nel = Cornel\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCornel: The Cut Flower Workhorse from a Legendary Dutch Nursery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCornel was bred in 1994 by Cor and Nellie Geerlings of Heemstede in the Netherlands. They named it after themselves: Cor plus Nel. The Geerlings nursery is the same one that produced Glorie van Heemstede (winner of the Stredwick Medal, one of the dahlia world's highest awards) and many other celebrated varieties. Cor was made honorary member of the English Dahlia Society. This is a plant with proper lineage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are a deep, rich maroon-red with a purple flush at the centre, 7 to 10cm across, with velvety petals packed tightly in the classic ball form. The stems are long, straight and strong, the kind that hold flowers upright without any help, which is exactly what you want in a cut flower. Cornel is a workhorse of the commercial cut flower industry for that reason: it produces masses of blooms in the perfect bouquet size on stems that don't bend or break.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's also the parent of at least five known sports, including \u003ca href=\"\/products\/caitlins-joy-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCaitlin's Joy\u003c\/a\u003e. The entire Cornel family shares the same weather-proof form, tireless productivity and reliable tuber storage. The matriarch of a dynasty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCornel in the Border\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe deep maroon balls provide structure and colour depth. Plant Cornel behind \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e (milky coffee dinnerplate) for one of the best contrasts in the dahlia world: tight dark globes against huge pale ruffles. For a warm scheme, pair it with the apricot dinner-plates of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fairway-spur-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eFairway Spur\u003c\/a\u003e (120cm, same height) and the golden yellow of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/golden-sceptre-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGolden Sceptre\u003c\/a\u003e (ball, 90cm). Helenium and late-season Penstemons are natural companions in the same warm register.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to show you what they can do. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eball dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is Cornel so popular as a cut flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree things. The 7 to 10cm ball shape is exactly the right size for bouquets and arrangements without overwhelming a vase. The stems are long, strong and naturally upright. And the production is relentless: cut a flower and the plant pushes out another. Commercial growers use Cornel precisely because it keeps delivering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the connection between Cornel and Caitlin's Joy?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/caitlins-joy-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCaitlin's Joy\u003c\/a\u003e is a sport of Cornel, meaning it appeared as a natural mutation on a Cornel plant. Same tough, productive habit, same weather-proof ball form, but bright pink instead of maroon. There are at least five known sports in the Cornel family, all inheriting the mother plant's reliability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Cornel grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 120cm tall, it's on the large side for a container but manageable if you use a pot of at least 35cm across and deep, stake it, and feed regularly. It's really at its best in a cutting bed or deep border where it has room to spread to its full 70cm. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e has advice on what works in pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Cornel good in the rain?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetter than most. Ball dahlias are inherently more rain-tolerant than decorative types because the tightly rolled petals don't cup water. Cornel's family is specifically noted for being weather-proof. It won't shrug off a deluge, but it handles British summer rain much better than a dinnerplate variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I overwinter Cornel tubers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCornel stores well. After the first frosts, cut stems back to 15cm, lift the tubers, brush off soil and let them dry for a day or two. Store somewhere cool, dark and frost-free. Check monthly. Cornel tubers are typically tough and store more reliably than some fussier varieties. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/overwintering-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eoverwintering guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the whole process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999154000198,"sku":"DAHLCOR-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/cornel-dahlia-flowers-2.jpg?v=1755634331"},{"product_id":"crazy-love-dahlia-tubers","title":"Crazy Love Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crazy Love\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e White and pink, soft and romantic\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Good in mixed arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCrazy Love: A Soft Pink-and-White Dahlia for Romantic Schemes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrazy Love is a decorative dahlia in soft pink and white, the kind of flower that looks as if it was bred for wedding bouquets. The petals blend the two colours gently, with more white towards the edges and more pink towards the centre, giving each 12cm bloom a romantic, watercolour quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm with a 60cm spread, it's compact enough for mid-border or a large pot. It flowers from July to the frosts and produces blooms in quantity. The soft colour makes it one of the easiest dahlias to place in a mixed scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere to Plant Crazy Love\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pink-and-white tones suit pastel and romantic schemes. Plant alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arbatax-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArbatax\u003c\/a\u003e (white with lilac-pink edges) and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gerrie-hoek-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGerrie Hoek\u003c\/a\u003e (shell pink waterlily, 120cm behind) for a gentle pink gradient. White cosmos and late sweet peas are natural seasonal companions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and gardeners in Somerset on the end of the phone. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Crazy Love good for weddings?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe soft pink-and-white colour is practically made for wedding work. The 12cm flowers are a good scale for bouquets and the colour works in almost any romantic scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Crazy Love grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm it works well in a container of at least 30cm across. Feed fortnightly, water regularly. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Crazy Love compare to Arbatax?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/arbatax-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArbatax\u003c\/a\u003e is white with a fine pink edge that deepens as blooms age. Crazy Love is a more even pink-and-white blend. Both are soft and romantic, both are 90cm. Plant them together for a pastel scheme with subtle variation. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999155867974,"sku":"DAHLCRALOV-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/crazy-love-dahlia-flower-head.jpg?v=1755249849"},{"product_id":"daisy-duke-dahlia-tubers","title":"Daisy Duke Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Daisy Duke\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (small)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peachy coral-pink shading to mauve at the centre, with a bright green heart\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frosts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Sturdy dark stems, excellent in mixed bouquets\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDaisy Duke: A Coral Dahlia That Knows When to Stop Growing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDaisy Duke is a dahlia that doesn't overplay its hand. The flowers are a peachy coral-pink that shades to mauve towards the centre, with a bright green heart that catches the light. The colour combination is unusual enough to be interesting without being difficult to place, and the 10cm blooms are a manageable size for mixed arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm with a compact 50cm spread, it's one of the more manageable dahlias in the range. The habit is upright, the dark stems are stocky and strong, and in a sheltered spot you might get away without staking it at all. That makes it a genuine candidate for a large pot, not just a \"technically possible\" one. The lush green foliage fills in well around the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a good cutter. The 10cm flowers are exactly the scale that works in a mixed bouquet alongside other autumn flowers: not so big they overwhelm, not so small they disappear. The dark stems look attractive left slightly longer in an arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to Plant Alongside Daisy Duke\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe coral-pink tones sit naturally in warm schemes. Plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brown-sugar-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBrown Sugar\u003c\/a\u003e (paprika ball dahlia, 90cm, same height) for a warm pairing where the different flower forms, flat decorative against tight globe, add texture. The soft apricot of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e (heritage semi-cactus with spiky petals) provides a third texture in the same warm register. For contrast, the deep maroon of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e (ball, 120cm behind) anchors the scheme with darker colour. Cosmos 'Apricotta' and bronze fennel are natural seasonal companions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and gardeners in Somerset on the end of the phone if anything isn't right. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Daisy Duke grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetter than most dahlias. At 90cm with a narrow spread and an upright habit, it's genuinely well suited to container growing. Use a pot at least 30cm across and deep with rich compost, feed fortnightly from June, and it may not even need a stake in a sheltered spot. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Daisy Duke good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery. The 10cm flowers are the ideal scale for mixed arrangements, the dark stems are sturdy, and vase life is good. It pairs particularly well with darker dahlias where the coral-pink acts as a warm lift. Only pick fully open flowers and condition stems in hot water for an hour before arranging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Daisy Duke need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a sheltered spot, probably not. The upright habit and compact size mean it holds itself up well. In an exposed garden, a light cane or small ring at planting time is sensible insurance. It's one of the easier dahlias to manage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the green heart in the centre of the flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNewly opened Daisy Duke blooms show a bright green centre before the innermost petals fully unfurl. It's a natural stage of the flower opening, not a defect. The green fades as the bloom matures and the central petals fill in. Many growers find it adds character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I plant Daisy Duke tubers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutdoors from March to July, but the soil needs to be at least 15°C, which typically means May in most of the UK. For an earlier start, pot tubers up indoors from March. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/starting-dahlia-tubers-in-spring\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003estarting tubers in spring guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains the process. Full seasonal care is in the \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999158948166,"sku":"DAHLDAIDU-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/daisy-duke-dahlia-flower.jpg?v=1755249850"},{"product_id":"dark-spirit-dahlia-tubers","title":"Dark Spirit Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark Spirit\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (small)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep burgundy-red, almost black\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 to 8cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Sturdy stems, dramatic in arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDark Spirit: The Near-Black Dahlia for Moody Borders\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome dahlias want to be noticed. Dark Spirit wants to be felt. The flowers are a deep burgundy-red so dark they're almost black, especially towards the centre, with velvety petals that curve inward to build a tight, spherical bloom. At 7 to 8cm across, the flowers are small enough to look elegant rather than heavy, and the plant produces them in quantity from July right through to November.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDon't make the mistake of planting it alone. Like all very dark flowers, Dark Spirit gets lost in autumn shadows unless it has something lighter to play against. Planted with the right companions, that near-black colour becomes the anchor that holds a whole scheme together. Without them, it disappears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant is compact at 90cm with a narrow 45cm spread, sturdy stems and dark green foliage. It's well suited to pots and doesn't need heavy staking. The flowers cut well and last nicely in a vase, and the dark colour makes them a favourite for moody late-summer arrangements and, yes, Halloween.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use Dark Spirit in a Border\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDark Spirit needs contrast. The simplest approach: plant it alongside something pale. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e (milky coffee dinnerplate, much taller) lets the near-black flowers sit in front like dark punctuation against soft ruffles. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-onesta-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWhite Onesta\u003c\/a\u003e (white waterlily-form decorative, 90cm) is a closer height match. For a warm scheme rather than a dark one, try it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/golden-sceptre-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGolden Sceptre\u003c\/a\u003e (bright yellow ball) and the heritage apricot of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e (semi-cactus, introduced in 1911). If you want the full moody border, combine Dark Spirit with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/moor-place-pom-pom-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMoor Place\u003c\/a\u003e (deep purple pompon, bred in 1955 and still going) and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rip-city-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRip City\u003c\/a\u003e (deep red semi-cactus spikes), but add a pale grass or silver foliage to stop the scheme becoming a dark hole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset if anything isn't right. Browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Dark Spirit actually black?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery close. In strong sunlight you'll see the deep burgundy-red underneath, but in shade or evening light the flowers read as near-black. The petals have a velvety texture that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which adds to the dark impression. True black doesn't exist in dahlias, but Dark Spirit is as close as you'll get without a paintbrush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Dark Spirit grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell, actually. At 90cm with small flowers and a narrow spread, it's one of the better dahlias for containers. Use a pot at least 30cm across and deep, with rich compost. Feed fortnightly from June. It looks striking in a dark glazed pot with nothing else competing for attention. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers container growing in detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Dark Spirit a pompon dahlia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften confused for one, but no. It's classified as a small decorative. The flowers are spherical because the petals curve inward, but they don't have the tight spiral structure of a true ball or pompon. The \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/types-of-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003etypes of dahlias guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains the difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat should I pair it with for flower arranging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDark Spirit is the anchor bloom in a dark arrangement. Pair it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arbatax-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArbatax\u003c\/a\u003e (white with pink edges) for contrast. Add grasses or seedheads for texture. The small flower size means it doesn't overwhelm a vase the way a dinnerplate does. Five or six stems of Dark Spirit with three stems of something pale and a few wispy grasses makes a very good autumn arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I deadhead?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegularly, and it matters more with dark dahlias than light ones. Spent blooms of Dark Spirit turn brown-black and are harder to spot against the dark buds behind them, so double-check when you deadhead. Cut back to the next bud junction. The plant will keep flowering until the frosts if you stay on top of it. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999160029510,"sku":"DAHLDARSPI-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/dark-spirit-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249851"},{"product_id":"david-howard-dahlia-tubers","title":"David Howard Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e David Howard\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (miniature\/small)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Burnt orange fading to plum at the centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate-bronze, as ornamental as the flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 10cm (4in) across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45 to 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frosts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Long wiry stems, excellent vase life\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chance seedling from Bishop of Llandaff, raised by David Howard in Norfolk, c.1960\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDavid Howard: Sixty Years Old and Still One of the Best Dahlias\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Howard is the dahlia that gardeners reach for when they need something that works with everything. The flowers are a warm burnt orange with plum-flushed centres, but it's the foliage that sets this variety apart: deeply divided leaves in dark chocolate-bronze that would earn their place in a border even without a single bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's one of the few dahlias you see at local Horticultural Society Shows competing for best bloom, best dahlia, best foliage and best egg-cup arrangement. That's a versatile plant. It's also our favourite dahlia in the range, if we're allowed to say that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTaking flowers and foliage together, the effect is both rich and restrained. Bright enough to catch the eye, dark enough to anchor a scheme. The flowers are small by dahlia standards, around 10cm across, fully double with neatly rounded petals. What you lose in scale you gain in sheer quantity: David Howard produces more blooms over a longer season than most decorative dahlias, and the compact habit means it rarely needs the heavy staking that dinnerplate varieties demand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA single bamboo cane or light support ring is usually enough. It has won the RHS Award of Garden Merit, and rightly. This is one of those plants that simply performs year after year without fuss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere David Howard Came From\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA chance seedling from \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-llandaff-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of Llandaff\u003c\/a\u003e was spotted by a teenager called, yes, David Howard in Norfolk in the late 1950s. A local nurseryman liked it enough to name it after him. Maybe inspired by his discovery, Howard went on to found Howard Nurseries, now one of the largest wholesale perennial growers in England, producing over two million plants a year. Meanwhile, the dahlia he raised as a schoolboy has outlasted thousands of newer introductions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDavid Howard in the Border\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe dark foliage and warm flowers make David Howard a natural partner for the Cafe au Lait dahlias. Plant it in front of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-royal-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait Royal\u003c\/a\u003e or the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eoriginal Cafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e for a scheme running from burnt orange through coffee and blush. The blood-red pompon \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nescio-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eNescio\u003c\/a\u003e (Latin for \"I don't know,\" which is a name worth having on a plant label) gives dark contrast in a smaller, tighter form. Anemanthele lessoniana picks up the bronze tones perfectly. For a hot scheme, try it with the deep red spikes of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rip-city-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRip City\u003c\/a\u003e behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality and imported and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with plenty of viable eyes (growth buds), ready to show you what they can do. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs David Howard a good dahlia for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best. It's vigorous, reliable, produces masses of flowers with little fuss, and its compact size means staking is minimal. The dark foliage looks good even before the first bud opens, so the plant earns its border space from the moment it leafs out. The RHS Award of Garden Merit confirms it performs well across a wide range of UK conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does David Howard compare to Bishop of Llandaff?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Howard is a seedling from Bishop of Llandaff and shares the dark foliage, but the flowers are completely different. The Bishop has single, open scarlet flowers with a visible central disc, better for pollinators, more informal. David Howard has fully double, rounded orange flowers, more structured, better for cutting. Both hold the RHS AGM. We knew a gardener who wore Bishop of Llandaff as a buttonhole all summer long. You couldn't do that with David Howard. Different flowers, different pleasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill David Howard work in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetter than most dahlias. At 90cm with small 10cm flowers, it doesn't become top-heavy the way dinnerplate varieties do. Use a pot at least 30cm across and deep with rich compost, and feed fortnightly with a liquid fertiliser from June. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the full detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eI forgot to deadhead for a couple of weeks. Have I ruined the display?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot at all. David Howard is forgiving. Cut all the spent heads back hard, give the plant a good water and a liquid feed, and it'll produce a new flush of buds within a fortnight. The flowering season runs from July to November, so even a mid-August lapse leaves months of recovery time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I make David Howard cut flowers last longer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePick only fully open blooms. This matters more with dahlias than with most flowers because the buds stop developing once cut. Strip the lower leaves, stand stems in hot water for an hour, then arrange in a clean vase. Refresh the water every couple of days and keep the blooms away from direct sunlight. The small, dense flowers last well: expect five to seven days. The dark foliage makes an attractive filler if you include a few leafy stems in the arrangement. Planting, feeding and seasonal care are covered in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999160750406,"sku":"DAHLDAVHOW-TUBER","price":5.65,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/david-howard-dahlia-flower-head.jpg?v=1755249851"},{"product_id":"fairway-spur-dahlia-tubers","title":"Fairway Spur Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fairway Spur\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (giant\/dinnerplate)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft apricot and pink with bronze tones towards the centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25 to 28cm across (up to 38cm with disbudding)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Show-stopping in arrangements, just a few stems fill a vase\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExhibition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Top-class show variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFairway Spur: The Biggest Dahlia We Sell\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf size matters, Fairway Spur delivers. The standard flowers are 25 to 28cm across. Disbud the side shoots, feed with dilute tomato fertiliser, and you can push individual blooms to 38cm. That's bigger than a dinner plate. That's a serving platter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe colour is a hazy blend of soft apricot, pink and bronze, with the warmth deepening towards the centre and the outer petals paling. The petals twist gently, giving each massive flower a slightly shaggy, informal quality rather than the rigid geometry you see on a ball dahlia. It's shabby-chic at scale, if that isn't a contradiction in terms. The flowers sit on stout green stems above deep green foliage at 120cm tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a top-class exhibition variety. Serious show growers disbud to one bloom per stem and feed heavily. In a garden border, leave it to its own devices and you'll still get spectacular flowers, just not quite at show-bench dimensions. Either way, just a few stems in a vase make a statement that fills a room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlacing Fairway Spur\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA flower this big needs careful placing. Give it space at the back of a sunny border where it can be the star without overwhelming smaller neighbours. Plant with darker, smaller-flowered companions in front: the deep maroon globes of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e (ball, 120cm) provide colour depth and a contrasting form, while \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nescio-pom-pom-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eNescio\u003c\/a\u003e (blood-red pompon, 100cm) gives tight dark jewels against the huge pale heads. Purple-leaved shrubs like Cotinus (smoke bush) or dark ornamental grasses make a superb backdrop. Avoid planting it with other dinnerplates or the border becomes a competition rather than a composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan the flowers really reach 38cm?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith disbudding and heavy feeding, yes. Remove all side buds so the plant channels its energy into a single flower per stem. Feed weekly with dilute tomato fertiliser from June. Water consistently. In a show-grower's hands, 38cm is achievable. In a garden border without disbudding, expect 25 to 28cm, which is still enormous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Fairway Spur grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot really. At 120cm tall with flowers the size of a dinner plate, it's too big, too hungry and too top-heavy for a container. It needs deep border soil, serious staking, and room to spread to 75cm. If you want a large dahlia for a pot, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait\u003c\/a\u003e family are also dinnerplates but slightly more manageable. Honestly though, none of the giants are happy in pots. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers what works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Fairway Spur need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. With flowers this large, a gust of wind or a heavy shower can snap stems. Put sturdy stakes in at planting time and tie the main stems as they grow. For exhibition blooms, individual bamboo canes per stem give the best support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Fairway Spur good for showing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best. It's a giant decorative class dahlia with the size, colour and form that judges look for. Disbud to one flower per stem, feed consistently, and grow in rich, well-watered soil. Transport show blooms carefully: a flower this size is fragile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I protect the flowers from rain?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge flat-petalled dahlias hold water in their blooms, and Fairway Spur is no exception. Heavy rain will damage open flowers. Picking flowers before forecast rain and enjoying them indoors is the pragmatic answer. The plant will produce more. Staking prevents stem breakage from the extra weight. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999172940102,"sku":"DAHLFAISPU-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/fairway-spur-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249852"},{"product_id":"french-cancan-dahlia-tubers","title":"French Cancan Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e French Cancan\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two-tone orange and pink\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrench Cancan: Orange and Pink, Named After the High-Kicking Dance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrench Cancan is a decorative dahlia that lives up to its theatrical name. The flowers are a lively two-tone of warm orange and pink, with the colours blending and shifting across the broad petals. At 12cm across on a 90cm plant, it brings warmth and energy to a border without being difficult to manage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt flowers from July to the frosts, produces blooms freely, and the stems are good enough for cutting. At 90cm with a 60cm spread, it sits happily in the middle of a sunny border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Goes with French Cancan\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe orange-and-pink tones sit naturally in warm schemes. Plant alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sylvia-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSylvia\u003c\/a\u003e (warm orange ball, brown stems, 80cm) and the heritage apricot of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e (semi-cactus, 120cm behind). Helenium and Crocosmia are natural seasonal companions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We look for and reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs French Cancan named after the dance?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost certainly. The high-kicking dance associated with Parisian music halls, particularly the Moulin Rouge. The bright, theatrical colour scheme fits the name perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill French Cancan grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm it works in a large container. Feed fortnightly and water regularly. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs French Cancan good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 12cm flowers cut well and the warm two-tone colour looks striking in autumn arrangements. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999179460934,"sku":"DAHLFRECA-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/french-cancan-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249853"},{"product_id":"gallery-art-deco-dahlia-tubers","title":"Gallery Art Deco Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery Art Deco\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (compact\/border)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bold orange with deep red undersides to the petals\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e June to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blooms last well, but short stems suit small arrangements only\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal. Bred specifically for pots and border fronts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery series, bred by Verwer, Netherlands\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGallery Art Deco: The Fiery One in the Gallery Series\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gallery series was bred in the Netherlands by Verwer specifically for pots and border fronts. All seven varieties are compact, all are prolific, and a Dutch breeder named the entire range after art movements and Old Masters. Probably the only time Picasso and van Gogh have shared a border without arguing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArt Deco is the boldest. The flowers are a rich, warm orange with deep red undersides that flash as the petals move, creating a two-tone effect that earns its name. At 10cm across on a 50cm plant, the blooms are full-sized on a half-sized dahlia. It holds the RHS AGM, confirming it performs as well as it looks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn a pot or at the front of a sunny border, Art Deco needs no staking. Feed fortnightly from June, deadhead regularly, and it'll produce flowers from July right through to November.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eArt Deco in a Pot or Border\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArt Deco sizzles alongside other warm-toned compact dahlias. Plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-vincent-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Vincent\u003c\/a\u003e (peachy-orange, same height) for a warm pair. For contrast, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-art-fair-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Art Fair\u003c\/a\u003e (white with chartreuse centres) cools the scheme. In a larger border, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e (near-black, 90cm behind) provides dramatic depth. Antirrhinum and dwarf Helenium are natural seasonal companions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAre all the Gallery dahlias compact?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The entire Gallery series was bred for containers and border fronts. All seven varieties are under 50cm tall. They don't need staking, they're prolific flowerers, and they're the best dahlia option if space is limited. The series includes: Art Deco (orange), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-art-fair-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArt Fair\u003c\/a\u003e (white), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-art-nouveau-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArt Nouveau\u003c\/a\u003e (pink-to-purple), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-bellini-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBellini\u003c\/a\u003e (pink-white), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-leonardo-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eLeonardo\u003c\/a\u003e (pastel pink), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-pablo-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePablo\u003c\/a\u003e (yellow-peach), and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-vincent-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eVincent\u003c\/a\u003e (peachy-orange).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Gallery Art Deco good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blooms last well in water, but the stems are short and branched due to the compact habit. For a small table arrangement or a posy, it works fine. For tall vase arrangements, taller varieties like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/preference-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePreference\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e are better suited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat size pot does Art Deco need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 50cm tall, a pot of 20 to 25cm across is enough. Use rich compost, feed fortnightly from June, and water regularly. It's one of the few dahlias that genuinely thrives in a modest-sized container. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers container growing in detail.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999180542278,"sku":"DAHLGALARTDE-Tuber","price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/gallery-art-deco-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249840"},{"product_id":"gallery-art-fair-dahlia-tubers","title":"Gallery Art Fair Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery Art Fair\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (compact\/border)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e White with creamy chartreuse centres\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e June to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blooms last well, but short stems suit small arrangements only\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal. Bred specifically for pots and border fronts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery series, bred by Verwer, Netherlands\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGallery Art Fair: The Smallest Dahlia We Sell, and One of the Prettiest\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 30cm tall, Gallery Art Fair is the most compact dahlia in our range. It barely reaches the height of a ruler. But the flowers are a surprisingly generous 13cm across, white with soft chartreuse-green centres that give each bloom a fresh, contemporary look. On a plant this small, those 13cm flowers are almost comically large. It works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the Gallery series bred by Verwer in the Netherlands for pots and border fronts, Art Fair holds the RHS AGM. The white colour and compact habit make it versatile: it blends into any colour scheme as a calming neutral, works as a windowsill plant, and makes an excellent edging dahlia at the front of a sunny border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt flowers from July to November and needs no staking. Feed and water regularly in a pot and it'll keep producing those elegant white blooms all season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlacing Gallery Art Fair\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhite goes with everything. Plant Art Fair alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-art-deco-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Art Deco\u003c\/a\u003e (orange, same compact habit) for a warm-and-cool contrast in matching pots. In a border front, it works alongside low-growing Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' and white cosmos. For a pure white scheme, combine with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/boom-boom-white-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBoom Boom White\u003c\/a\u003e (taller ball dahlia behind) and silver-leaved Artemisia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and gardeners in Somerset on the phone if anything isn't right. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Gallery Art Fair really only 30cm tall?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, it's the most compact dahlia we sell. The flowers are 13cm across, which on a 30cm plant is a striking proportion. It's bred specifically for pots, window boxes and border fronts. No staking needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Gallery Art Fair indoors?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot really. Dahlias need full sun and outdoor conditions to thrive. A sunny windowsill might sustain it briefly, but it'll stretch and underperform. A pot on a sunny patio or doorstep is the right compromise. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Gallery Art Fair good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 13cm flowers last well in water and the white colour is versatile in arrangements. The stems are short though, so it works better for small table vases and posies than tall arrangements. For a white dahlia with long stems for cutting, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-supreme-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait Supreme\u003c\/a\u003e is the better choice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999180640582,"sku":"DAHLGALARTFA-Tuber","price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/gallery-art-fair-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249840"},{"product_id":"gallery-art-nouveau-dahlia-tubers","title":"Gallery Art Nouveau Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery Art Nouveau\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (compact\/border)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two-tone: light pink graduating to deep purple\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e June to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blooms last well, but short stems suit small arrangements only\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal. Bred specifically for pots and border fronts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery series, bred by Verwer, Netherlands\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGallery Art Nouveau: Pink-to-Purple on a Plant Half a Metre Tall\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGallery Art Nouveau produces surprisingly large flowers for such a compact plant. The blooms are up to 15cm across, a luminous gradient that runs from light pink at the outer petals to deep purple towards the centre. On a plant that stops at 50cm tall, that's a generous, almost theatrical display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the Gallery series bred by Verwer for containers and border fronts, Art Nouveau holds the RHS AGM. The two-tone colour makes it the most dramatic of the seven Gallery varieties. It flowers from July to November and needs no staking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe blooms last well if cut, though the short, branching stems make it better suited to small posies than tall arrangements. In the garden, it's a border-front plant or a pot plant, and it fills both roles well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eArt Nouveau with Neighbours\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pink-to-purple gradient works alongside other Gallery dahlias or with taller varieties behind. Try it in front of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ambition-cactus-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eAmbition\u003c\/a\u003e (magenta-purple semi-cactus, 100cm) for a purple scheme that runs from compact border front to full-sized mid-border. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-art-fair-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Art Fair\u003c\/a\u003e (white) at the same height provides a calming break between louder colours. Salvia 'Amistad' and low Heuchera are natural companions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and real people on the phone in Somerset. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Gallery Art Nouveau the most colourful of the Gallery series?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most dramatic, certainly. The pink-to-purple gradient is more complex than the single-colour varieties like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-art-fair-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArt Fair\u003c\/a\u003e (white) or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-art-deco-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArt Deco\u003c\/a\u003e (orange). If you want a compact dahlia that catches the eye, this is the one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat size pot does Art Nouveau need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pot of 20 to 25cm across with rich compost will work well. Feed fortnightly from June. At 50cm tall with no staking needed, it's genuinely easy in a container. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e has more detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Gallery Art Nouveau need deadheading?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, like all dahlias. Remove spent flowers regularly and the plant will keep producing new buds. Stop deadheading and it redirects energy into seed production. Full seasonal care is in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999180673350,"sku":"DAHLGALARTNO-Tuber","price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/gallery-art-nouveau-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249841"},{"product_id":"gallery-bellini-dahlia-tubers","title":"Gallery Bellini Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery Bellini\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (compact\/border)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pink-streaked-with-white, yellow centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e June to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blooms last well, but short stems suit small arrangements only\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal. Bred specifically for pots and border fronts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery series, bred by Verwer, Netherlands\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGallery Bellini: Peachy Pink and Named After a Cocktail (Probably)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGallery Bellini's name could come from Giovanni Bellini, the Venetian Renaissance painter, or from the Bellini cocktail invented at Harry's Bar in Venice in 1948. Given the flower's peach-pink-and-white colour, the cocktail seems the more likely inspiration. Either way, it's a dahlia with a good name and vivid flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe blooms are 13cm across, pink streaked with white, with a warm yellow centre. The overall effect is lively and cheerful, less subtle than some of the Gallery range but more eye-catching in a pot or window box. At 50cm tall, it's compact, no-staking, container-friendly, and flowers from June to November, which is a longer season than most dahlias manage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the Gallery series bred by Verwer in the Netherlands for pots and border fronts. The short, branching stems mean it's better for small posies than tall vase work, but the blooms last well in water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Goes with Bellini\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe peachy-pink works in warm or pastel schemes. Plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-pablo-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Pablo\u003c\/a\u003e (yellow with peach tips, same height) for a warm compact pair. In a border, taller \u003ca href=\"\/products\/daisy-duke-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDaisy Duke\u003c\/a\u003e (coral-pink decorative, 90cm behind) continues the warm tones at greater scale. White cosmos or Nicotiana provide a fresh backdrop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We look for and reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Gallery Bellini named after the painter or the drink?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gallery series is officially named after art movements and artists. Giovanni Bellini was a Venetian Renaissance painter. But the Bellini cocktail, invented at Harry's Bar in Venice in 1948, is peach-coloured, and this dahlia is peach-pink. We'll let you decide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Gallery Bellini grow in a small pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHappily. At 50cm tall, a pot of 20 to 25cm across is enough. Rich compost, fortnightly feeding from June, regular watering. No staking needed. It's bred for exactly this purpose. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Bellini start flowering earlier than other dahlias?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can start as early as June, which is two to three weeks ahead of most dahlias. The compact habit means less stem to build before flowering begins. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999180738886,"sku":"DAHLGALBEL-Tuber","price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/gallery-bellini-dahlia-flower.jpg?v=1755249849"},{"product_id":"gallery-leonardo-dahlia-tubers","title":"Gallery Leonardo Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery Leonardo\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (compact\/border)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pastel pink with a green and yellow centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 to 20cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e June to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blooms last well, but short stems suit small arrangements only\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal. Bred specifically for pots and border fronts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery series, bred by Verwer, Netherlands\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGallery Leonardo: Big Pastel Flowers on a Tiny Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGallery Leonardo produces flowers up to 20cm across on a plant that tops out at 50cm tall. That's almost comically out of proportion, and it's part of the charm. The blooms are a soft pastel pink with a green and yellow centre that gives each flower a fresh, dewy quality. The effect is gentle and pretty rather than dramatic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNamed after Leonardo da Vinci and part of the Gallery series bred by Verwer for containers, Leonardo holds the RHS AGM. It's one of the larger-flowered varieties in the series, and the soft colour makes it the easiest to place in a mixed scheme. It flowers from June to November with no staking needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe short, branching stems mean it's a garden display dahlia rather than a cutting dahlia. In a pot, it's one of the best dahlias money can buy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Partners for Leonardo\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePastel pink and green centres suit soft, romantic schemes. Plant Leonardo in front of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gerrie-hoek-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGerrie Hoek\u003c\/a\u003e (shell pink waterlily, 120cm behind) for a pink gradient that runs from border front to mid-height. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-art-fair-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Art Fair\u003c\/a\u003e (white, same compact height) alongside keeps the scheme cool. Pale Heuchera and silver Stachys at the border edge complete the picture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and gardeners in Somerset on the end of the phone. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan the flowers really be 20cm on a 50cm plant?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith good feeding and consistent watering, yes. The flower-to-plant ratio is part of what makes the Gallery series so striking in pots. Individual blooms can be almost as wide as the plant is tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Gallery Leonardo good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are beautiful and last well in water, but the stems are short. It works for small posies and table centres, not tall vases. For a pink dahlia with long cutting stems, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gerrie-hoek-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGerrie Hoek\u003c\/a\u003e (waterlily, 120cm) is a better choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat pot size does Gallery Leonardo need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pot of 20 to 25cm across with rich compost will work well. Feed fortnightly from June and water regularly. No staking needed. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers container growing in detail.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999180902726,"sku":"DAHLGALLEO-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/gallery-leonardo-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249859"},{"product_id":"gallery-pablo-dahlia-tubers","title":"Gallery Pablo Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery Pablo\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (compact\/border)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yellow centre graduating to peachy-pink tips\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 to 20cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e June to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blooms last well, but short stems suit small arrangements only\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal. Bred specifically for pots and border fronts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery series, bred by Verwer, Netherlands\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGallery Pablo: Sunny Yellow Tipped with Peach\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNamed after Picasso, and Gallery Pablo has something of the same energy. The flowers are warm yellow at the centre, graduating to peachy-pink at the petal tips. At 15 to 20cm across on a 50cm plant, the blooms are extravagantly large for the size, and the two-tone colour gives each one a cheerful, sunny presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the Gallery series bred by Verwer in the Netherlands for pots and border fronts, Pablo holds the RHS AGM. It flowers from June to November, needs no staking, and is as prolific as the rest of the series. The short, branching stems make it a display dahlia rather than a cutting variety, but in a pot or at the border front, that's not a limitation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePablo in a Scheme\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe yellow-to-peach gradient works alongside other warm Gallery varieties. Plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-vincent-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Vincent\u003c\/a\u003e (peachy-orange, same height) and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-bellini-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Bellini\u003c\/a\u003e (pink-white) for a trio of warm compact dahlias in matching pots. For a border scheme, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sylvia-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSylvia\u003c\/a\u003e (warm orange ball, 80cm behind) continues the warm tones at greater height. Rudbeckia and dwarf Helenium are natural seasonal companions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to show you what they can do. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and real people on the phone in Somerset. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Gallery Pablo named after Picasso?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The Gallery series is named after art movements and famous artists. Pablo is Picasso, Leonardo is da Vinci, Vincent is van Gogh. All bred by the same Dutch nursery, all compact, all designed for pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Gallery Pablo grow in a window box?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 50cm tall and 45cm wide, it'll fit a large window box provided the box is at least 20cm deep and in full sun. Feed and water regularly. Dahlias need more moisture and nutrition than most window box plants, so don't neglect it. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e has more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long does Gallery Pablo flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom June to November in a good year, which is a longer season than most full-sized dahlias. The compact habit means less energy goes into stem growth and more into flowers. Deadhead regularly and feed fortnightly for the best display. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999181033798,"sku":"DAHLGALPAB-Tuber","price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/gallery-pablo-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249853"},{"product_id":"gallery-vincent-dahlia-tubers","title":"Gallery Vincent Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery Vincent\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (compact\/border)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peachy-orange with a yellow centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 to 20cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e June to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blooms last well, but short stems suit small arrangements only\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal. Bred specifically for pots and border fronts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gallery series, bred by Verwer, Netherlands\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGallery Vincent: Peachy-Orange and Named After van Gogh\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGallery Vincent is named after van Gogh, and there's something of the same warm palette in its peachy-orange flowers with yellow centres. The blooms are 15 to 20cm across, generous for a plant that tops out at 50cm, and the colour has a sunlit, glowing quality that catches the eye from across a garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the Gallery series bred by Verwer for containers and border fronts, Vincent holds the RHS AGM. It's one of the warmer-toned varieties in the series, and pairs naturally with the orange of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-art-deco-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArt Deco\u003c\/a\u003e or the yellow-peach of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-pablo-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePablo\u003c\/a\u003e for a sun-themed collection of compact pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt flowers from June to November, needs no staking, and the blooms last well. The short stems make it a display dahlia rather than a cutter, but in a pot that's exactly what you want.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eVincent in the Border or on the Patio\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWarm tones suit warm companions. Plant Vincent with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-art-deco-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Art Deco\u003c\/a\u003e (orange, same height) for a fiery pair. In a border front, the burnt orange of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e (90cm behind, dark foliage) continues the warmth at greater height. For a softer scheme, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gallery-leonardo-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGallery Leonardo\u003c\/a\u003e (pastel pink) cools the palette. Bronze Carex grasses at the pot rim catch evening light beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We look for and reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Gallery Vincent named after van Gogh?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The Gallery series uses art references throughout: Vincent is van Gogh, Pablo is Picasso, Leonardo is da Vinci, with the remaining four named after art movements. All bred by Verwer in the Netherlands, all compact, all designed for pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Gallery Vincent compare to a full-sized orange dahlia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou get the same flower size (15 to 20cm) on a plant less than half the height. The trade-off is cutting: Vincent's stems are too short for tall arrangements. For an orange dahlia with proper cutting stems, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e (90cm) or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brown-sugar-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBrown Sugar\u003c\/a\u003e (ball, 90cm) are better choices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat aftercare does Gallery Vincent need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed fortnightly with a liquid fertiliser from June, water regularly (especially in pots), and deadhead spent flowers. After the first frosts, lift the tubers and store them frost-free. The compact tubers are easy to store. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers seasonal care, and the \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/overwintering-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eoverwintering guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains storage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999181099334,"sku":"DAHLGALVIN-Tuber","price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/gallery-vincent-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249853"},{"product_id":"garden-wonder-dahlia-tubers","title":"Garden Wonder Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Garden Wonder\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vivid deep crimson-red. Fully double\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 to 15cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Strong stout stems, popular exhibition variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExhibition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. A popular choice at flower shows\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGarden Wonder: The Red Dahlia That Show Judges and Beginners Both Reach For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere's a reason certain dahlias appear on show benches year after year. Garden Wonder is one of them. The flowers are a vivid, clean crimson-red, fully double, 10 to 15cm across, held on stout stems above compact, attractive green foliage. The colour doesn't fade, doesn't streak, doesn't shift. It's red. It stays red. It's the kind of red that can anchor a border or dominate a vase arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant is compact at 90cm and unusually narrow at 40cm spread, which makes it one of the easiest dahlias to place. It fits into smaller gardens, works in large pots, and tucks into a border without elbowing its neighbours. The stems are so stout they rarely need staking even at full height, which is unusual for a dahlia with flowers this size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor beginners, Garden Wonder is forgiving. For exhibitors, it's reliable. It does the basics well, and it does them every year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Goes with Garden Wonder\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrimson red is a strong colour that either leads a scheme or fights with it. For a hot border, plant with the golden yellow of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bishop-of-york-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBishop of York\u003c\/a\u003e and the warm orange of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sylvia-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSylvia\u003c\/a\u003e (ball form, brown stems). For something richer and darker, the near-black \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e and the deep claret pompon \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rocco-pom-pom-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRocco\u003c\/a\u003e build a moody palette. Echinacea and Rudbeckia are natural late-border companions, extending the warm tones through to autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Garden Wonder good for showing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA popular exhibition choice. The clean crimson colour, consistent form and reliable performance make it a regular on the show bench. For the best competition blooms, disbud to one flower per stem and grow in rich, well-fed soil. The stout stems hold flowers steady for transport, which exhibitors appreciate. Full growing detail in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Garden Wonder in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery well. At 90cm with a narrow 40cm spread, it's one of the most container-friendly decorative dahlias. Use a pot of at least 30cm across and deep, and a sunny, sheltered spot. The stout stems mean you probably won't need a stake even in a pot. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers compost, feeding and overwintering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Garden Wonder need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLess than almost any other dahlia of this flower size. The stems are unusually stout and self-supporting. In a sheltered garden you can probably leave it unsupported. In wind, a single cane is enough insurance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the red colour stable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Garden Wonder holds its vivid crimson from first flower to last. It doesn't fade, streak or shift tone through the season. That consistency is one of the reasons exhibitors favour it. If you want a red dahlia you can rely on to look the same in October as it did in July, this is the one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the difference between Garden Wonder and a dark dahlia like Dark Spirit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e is a deep burgundy-black, velvety and moody. Garden Wonder is a clean, bright crimson, vivid and forward. They're on opposite sides of the red spectrum. Planted together, the contrast is excellent: Garden Wonder provides the brightness, Dark Spirit the depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999181394246,"sku":"DAHLGARWON-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/garden-wonder-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755634426"},{"product_id":"gerrie-hoek-dahlia-tubers","title":"Gerrie Hoek Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gerrie Hoek\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Waterlily\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shell pink, paler at the edges, with light yellow highlights at the heart\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 to 15cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-June to November (one of the earliest dahlias to flower)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Long stems, long vase life, popular for wedding work\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExhibition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. A favourite of the late-summer show bench\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Netherlands, c.1945. Named after a relative of the breeder\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGerrie Hoek: An Eighty-Year-Old Waterlily Dahlia That Still Tops the Show Bench\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGerrie Hoek was introduced around 1945 and named after a relative of the Dutch breeder. Eighty years later it's still a top seller, still a show bench regular, and still one of the first dahlias people reach for when they need a pink waterlily for cutting. Longevity like that isn't luck. It's performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are a delicate shell pink that pales towards the outer petals, with light yellow highlights among the heart petals that look almost hand-painted. The waterlily form is elegant and understated: broad, overlapping petals lying flat and shallow, very different from the tight spirals of a ball or the ruffled chaos of a dinnerplate. At 10 to 15cm across, the blooms are big enough to be a focal flower in an arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's also one of the earliest dahlias to flower, sometimes starting in mid-June if conditions are right. The long stems (it grows to 120cm) and long vase life make it a natural choice for cutting, and wedding florists use it for the soft pink colour and the elegant form. Exhibitors rate it highly too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere to Plant Gerrie Hoek\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe soft shell pink works beautifully in pastel schemes. Plant Gerrie Hoek alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arbatax-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArbatax\u003c\/a\u003e (white with pink watercolour edges, 90cm in front) and the pure white waterlily \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-swan-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWhite Swan\u003c\/a\u003e (120cm, same height) for a gentle gradient in the same part of the border. For a warmer combination, the sunset tones of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wine-eyed-jill-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWine Eyed Jill\u003c\/a\u003e (peach-and-purple ball) bring depth without clashing. The dark maroon waterlily \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sam-hopkins-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSam Hopkins\u003c\/a\u003e provides dramatic contrast in the same flower form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and real people on the phone in Somerset if anything isn't right. Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ewaterlily dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy does Gerrie Hoek flower so early?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome varieties are naturally earlier than others, and Gerrie Hoek can start as early as mid-June in a good year. Most dahlias begin in July. The extra two to three weeks at the start of the season, combined with flowering right through to the frosts, gives you one of the longest flowering windows of any dahlia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Gerrie Hoek good for weddings?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePopular with wedding florists for the soft pink colour, elegant waterlily form, and long vase life. The long stems cut well and the blooms hold their shape. Plant plenty. You'll want to cut generously without feeling guilty about the garden display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does a waterlily dahlia differ from a decorative?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth. Decorative dahlias are fully double with many layers of petals building depth and volume. Waterlily dahlias have fewer petals arranged flat and shallow, overlapping like a waterlily floating on a pond. The effect is more elegant and restrained. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/types-of-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003etypes of dahlias guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains all the classifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Gerrie Hoek in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 120cm it's tall for a container, and waterlily flowers catch rain, so you'd need staking and shelter. It'll work in a large pot (at least 35cm) but it's really best in a border or cutting bed. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers what works in containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I get the best show blooms?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisbud to one flower per stem, feed weekly with dilute tomato fertiliser from June, and water consistently. The waterlily form needs even development: irregular watering produces lopsided blooms. Cut for the show bench in the morning when the flower is fully open but not past its best. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999182410054,"sku":"DAHLGERHOE-TUBER","price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/gerrie-hoek-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249857"},{"product_id":"glorie-van-heemstede-dahlia-tubers","title":"Glorie van Heemstede Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glorie van Heemstede\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Waterlily\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden yellow\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 130cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Long stems, erect blooms, excellent vase life\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExhibition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Winner of the Stredwick Medal\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWind resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good for a waterlily type\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bred by Cor Geerlings, Heemstede, Netherlands, 1947\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGlorie van Heemstede: A Breeder's First Success, and One of the Dahlia World's Highest Honours\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe name translates as \"Glory of Heemstede,\" after the Dutch town near the bulb fields where it was bred. Cor Geerlings raised it in 1947 as his first ever dahlia seedling to make it into commerce. He went on to breed many famous varieties including \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e, Jomanda and Ivanetti, and was made honorary member of the English Dahlia Society. But this was where it started. A beginner's first success that won the Stredwick Medal, one of the dahlia world's highest awards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are a clean, glowing golden yellow, 15cm across, in the flat, open waterlily form. The blooms stand erect on long, strong stems, which is unusual for a waterlily. Many waterlily dahlias nod or droop. Glorie van Heemstede holds its flowers up, making it a better cutter and show variety than most in its class. It also has good wind and pest resistance for the type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 130cm it's a tall plant, best at the back of a border or in a dedicated cutting bed. It holds the RHS AGM and has been in continuous commercial production for nearly eighty years. The Geerlings nursery continued through Cor's son Jan and daughter-in-law Elly after his death in 2012.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlacing Glorie van Heemstede\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGolden yellow waterlilies need darker neighbours to shine. The deep plum globes of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e (bred by the same Geerlings nursery, ball form, 120cm) give you a dark contrast and a family connection in the planting. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e (near-black decorative, 90cm in front) provides colour depth. For a yellow-and-white scheme, the shell pink waterlily \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gerrie-hoek-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGerrie Hoek\u003c\/a\u003e (same type, softer colour) makes a natural companion. Plant in groups of three at 75 to 80cm spacing for the best border effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ewaterlily dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the Stredwick Medal?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the highest awards in the dahlia world, given to varieties that demonstrate exceptional quality and performance. Glorie van Heemstede won it, which confirmed what growers already knew: this is a dahlia that performs at the highest level. The RHS AGM confirms the same from the garden side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Glorie van Heemstede good for showing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExhibition-grade. The erect blooms, long stems and clean yellow colour make it a strong show bench contender. Disbud to one flower per stem for the biggest, most symmetrical blooms. Feed consistently and water evenly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does the Geerlings nursery connect to other dahlias?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCor Geerlings of Heemstede bred this as his first success in 1947. He went on to create \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e (1994, named after himself and his wife Nellie), plus Jomanda, Ivanetti and many others. Planting Glorie van Heemstede and Cornel together gives you two varieties from the same legendary nursery, nearly fifty years apart, in completely different forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Glorie van Heemstede grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 130cm it's too tall for most containers. It belongs in a border or cutting bed where it can stretch to full height. For a yellow dahlia in a pot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/golden-sceptre-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGolden Sceptre\u003c\/a\u003e (bright yellow ball, 90cm) is more manageable. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers container options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it handle weather well?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetter than most waterlily types. The flowers are noted for wind and pest resistance, and the erect stems don't nod the way some waterlily dahlias do. It still needs staking at 130cm, and like all flat-petalled dahlias, heavy rain will collect in the blooms. But for a waterlily, it's among the tougher ones. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999184441670,"sku":"DAHLGLOVANHE-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/glorie-van-heemstede-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249854"},{"product_id":"golden-sceptre-dahlia-tubers","title":"Golden Sceptre Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden Sceptre\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ball dahlia\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright canary yellow with a richer golden heart\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Long-lasting, small enough for corsages and floral headdresses\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGolden Sceptre: A Bright Yellow Ball Dahlia with a Richer Heart\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Sceptre does exactly what its name suggests. The flowers are a bright, clean canary yellow that deepens to a richer gold towards the centre, where the tightly spiralling petals catch and hold the colour. At 10cm across, each bloom is a perfectly formed sphere in a honeycomb pattern, silky-petalled and satisfying to look at.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe practical advantages are real. The flowers sit on sturdy stems that handle an average summer breeze without damage. At 90cm with a compact 50cm spread, the plant is manageable in a border or a large pot. And the blooms are long-lasting in water, small enough to work in arrangements, corsages and even floral headdresses for outdoor weddings. The dark green foliage sets off the bright yellow perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt flowers freely from July to November. Deadhead regularly and feed fortnightly, and you'll have a steady supply of those glowing yellow globes all season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCompanions for Golden Sceptre\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYellow ball dahlias need darker colour to play against. Plant Golden Sceptre in front of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e (near-black, 90cm) for a sharp light-and-dark contrast. The deep maroon of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cornel-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCornel\u003c\/a\u003e (ball, 120cm behind) provides the same yellow-against-burgundy effect in matching ball forms. For a warm scheme, the paprika of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brown-sugar-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBrown Sugar\u003c\/a\u003e (ball, 90cm, same height) creates an autumn-toned trio of spheres. Helenium and Rudbeckia are natural late-summer company in the same golden register.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and gardeners in Somerset on the end of the phone. Browse our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eball dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Golden Sceptre good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the better ball dahlias for arrangements. The 10cm flowers are the perfect bouquet size, the stems are sturdy, and the bright yellow holds without fading. The compact size also makes them suitable for corsages and floral headdresses. Only pick fully open flowers and condition stems in hot water for an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Golden Sceptre grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm with a narrow spread and mid-sized flowers, it's well suited to containers. Use a pot at least 30cm across and deep with rich compost. Feed fortnightly from June. A single cane may be useful in an exposed spot but it's generally self-supporting. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the yellow fade?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe outer petals hold their canary yellow consistently. The centre is naturally a richer, deeper gold. Unlike some pastel dahlias, Golden Sceptre doesn't lose its colour intensity as blooms age. What you see on the first day is what you get on the fifth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Golden Sceptre compare to American Sun?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/american-sun-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eAmerican Sun\u003c\/a\u003e is a decorative type with flat, ruffled petals in a warm golden-yellow. Golden Sceptre is a ball type with tightly spiralled petals forming a geometric globe in bright canary yellow. Different shapes, different yellows, both excellent. For textural contrast in a border, plant them together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I plant Golden Sceptre tubers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutdoors from March to July, but wait until the soil is at least 15°C (typically May). For an earlier start, pot up indoors from March and plant out after the last frost. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/starting-dahlia-tubers-in-spring\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003estarting tubers in spring guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains the process. Full seasonal care in the \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999188439366,"sku":"DAHLGOLSCE-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/golden-sceptre-dahlia-flowers-1.jpg?v=1755249855"},{"product_id":"hamari-gold-dahlia-tubers","title":"Hamari Gold Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHamari Gold Dahlia Tubers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Hamari Gold' gloriously big and bold daffodil, deep yellow decorative dinner plate blooms, nearing bronze in the centre. A popular exhibition variety. Repeats Jul-Nov. To 140cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\"\u003eDecorative Dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e, or our full \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\"\u003eDahlia range\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColour: Golden yellow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlower Size: 25cm+\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Decorative dinner plate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCutting: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight\/spread: 140cm x 80cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowering: Jul - Nov\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting Months: Mar - Jul\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRHS Award of Garden Merit\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Hamari Gold Dahlias\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDahlias like deep, fertile soil with good drainage and this compact variety is ideal for the middle of a sunny border. Add stakes at planting time, so support is available when it's needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater well in dry periods and keep your dahlias flowering abundantly throughout summer and autumn by adding a bit of soluble food in the watering can once every couple of weeks. Dahlias grown in containers need to be kept especially well watered and fed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999202136390,"sku":"DAHLHAMGOL-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/hamari-gold-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249854"},{"product_id":"ida-mae-dahlia-tubers","title":"Ida Mae Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ida Mae\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wine-purple streaks over pale pink\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–15cm (5–6in) — small to medium decorative\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm (3ft)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frost with regular deadheading\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cutting, borders, cottage gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tubers (A-grade, re-graded by us)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e After last frost (late April to May)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring by next-day courier. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-from-castle-cary\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIda Mae, a Show-Stopping Striped Dahlia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers that make visitors do a double take are special. Ida Mae gets you with her wine-purple streaks over that pale pink base. Every petal is different, every flower its own little work of art. This is a bold dahlia. Those stripes are not at all subtle. They change colour and character depending on distance and light; from a metre away you might think Ida Mae is a warm mauve, but up close, the contrasting colours are magical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers can be up to 15 centimetres in diameter. They're fully double with the broad, flat petals you find in decorative dahlias. Flowering is continuous from July until the first frosts. And, like all dahlias, the more you cut, the more you get. At home, as long as the water is changed, she lasts six to seven days in a table arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eColour for Stone and White Linen\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn our part of Somerset, where the stone is either honey-coloured or grey, Ida Mae is popular with the locals because her colouring works with both. Extending that grey theme, a great deal of wooden fencing fades quite quickly from brown to grey, and that makes a fantastic backdrop. And if you have enough flowers on the plant, which is often the case, and you choose to spread some white linen on the table under the pergola, there are very few dahlias that look better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePairing Ideas for Ida Mae\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two schools of thought. Her indoors, who's an expert on Farrow and Ball, thinks one stripy dahlia is enough, which means you would plant this one (assuming you have other dahlias nearby) with plain colours in the white to cream to pink spectrum. Something like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/arbatax-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eArbatax\u003c\/a\u003e would work well. A garden designer, customer (and friend of ours) maintains that stripes go with stripes. He recommends \u003ca href=\"\/products\/tartan-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTartan\u003c\/a\u003e (blackcurrant with white stripes) or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/micks-peppermint-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMick's Peppermint\u003c\/a\u003e (white with red-pink stripes). Whichever way you go, too many dahlias can be too much of a good thing. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ornamental-grass-plants\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOrnamental grasses\u003c\/a\u003e, which also give you movement, soften too many stripes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy Your Dahlias from Us?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJulian grew his first dahlia from seed in about 1962. It was an unremarkable collarette which he kept going for nearly 20 years. When he started running Ashridge in 2003, dahlias were one of his first introductions to the range. Obsessed. So we only buy A-grade tubers from specialist Dutch growers, and we grade them again on arrival, before they go anywhere near a courier's van. They are simply the best. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill every flower have stripes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery flower will be striped, but no two are identical. Cooler weather deepens the purple; hot spells soften it. The pale pink base stays consistent throughout the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Ida Mae good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good. Strong stems, ideal flower size for arrangements, and those stripes add something no other flower quite matches. She lasts six to seven days in water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a decorative dahlia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFully double flowers with broad, flat petals. Ida Mae's 12–15cm blooms sit in the small-to-medium range, which makes her more versatile than the giants for both borders and cutting. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/types-of-dahlias\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003etypes of dahlias guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers all the flower forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Ida Mae in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe'll grow in a large pot but she's at her best in the ground. For a striped dahlia in a container, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/checkers-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCheckers\u003c\/a\u003e (80cm) is a better fit. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo dahlias come back every year?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. In mild areas, mulch and leave them in the ground. In cold or wet areas, lift the tubers after the first frost and store them frost-free until spring. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/overwintering-dahlias\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eoverwintering guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers both approaches.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999219667270,"sku":"DAHLIDAMAE-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/ida-mae-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755634490"},{"product_id":"imperialis-giant-dahlia-tubers","title":"Giant Imperial Tree Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGiant Imperial Tree Dahlia Tubers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Imperial Dahlias, the wild cousin of the more common cultivated ornamental dahlias is a statuesque plant. It produces smallish single, pink purple blooms from late October but, in this country at least, these usually arrive too late to beat the frosts, so it's better to think of it as a foliage plant with a few flowers. And what a useful one it is. It'll easily reach up to 4 metres high over the course of a summer so itbs an ideal spacefiller for tucking in at the back of a border or disguising less than lovely features like composting areas or a tumbedown fence.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDahlia imperialis can reach up to 4 metres in height and 1.5 metres in spread. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDahlia imperialis makes an excellent foliage plant, perfect for adding tropical texture to borders and large containers.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDahlias are members of the Asteraceae family of plants. They're clump-forming deciduous tuberous perennials with pinnate leaves and showy flowers in summer and autumn. Dahlia imperialis is a wild species dahlia, native to Mexico and Central America, and the progenitor of all cultivated dahlias. Dahlias are named after the 18th-century Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTree dahlias are easy to grow and generally free of pests and diseases. You might occasionally need to tackle pests such as slugs and earwigs and diseases such as powdery mildew but good gardening practices, such as appropriate weeding and feeding, together with our range of organic garden products will help keep your dahlias healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDahlia imperialis make a quick and easy addition to a richly textured tropical border. Team with colourful cannas and foliage plants like ferns, phormium and grasses. In a good summer you may be able to enjoy the pretty flowers b growing your tree dahlia in a conservatory or greenhouse will increase the chances of this.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999220060486,"sku":"DAHLIMPTRE-TUBER","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/imperialis-tree-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249850"},{"product_id":"karma-maarten-zwaan-dahlia-tubers","title":"Karma Maarten Zwaan Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003ch2\u003eKarma Maarten Zwaan Dahlia Tubers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Karma Maarten Zwaan' a vision of sophistication and grace, the magnificent white waterlily flowers of Karma Maarten Zwaan will brighten the garden throughout summer and well into autumn. Fully-double white blooms soften to a creamy yellow at the centre of layer upon layer of loosely-packed, slightly incurved petals and reach an impressive 14cm in diameter. Originally developed as a cut flower, this fabulous dahlia has strong stems and excellent longevity in a vase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/waterlily-dahlia-tubers\"\u003eWaterlily varieties\u003c\/a\u003e or see our full range of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\"\u003eDahlias here\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColour: White\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlower Size: 14cm \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Decorative waterlily\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCutting: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight\/spread: 90cm by 60cm \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowering: July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting Months: March to July\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Grow Karma Maarten Zwaan Dahlias\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDahlias like deep, fertile soil with good drainage and this compact variety is ideal for the middle of a sunny border. Add stakes at planting time, so support is available when it's needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater well in dry periods and keep your dahlias flowering prolifically throughout summer and autumn by adding a bit of soluble food in the watering can once every couple of weeks. Dahlias grown in containers need to be kept especially well watered and fed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGarden Design Ideas\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombine with other waterlily dahlias like deep maroon \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/products\/sam-hopkins-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\"\u003eSam Hopkins\u003c\/a\u003e and golden yellow \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/products\/glorie-van-heemstede-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\"\u003eGlorie van Heemstede\u003c\/a\u003e to create a dramatic impact, or blend into white borders alongside Echinacea 'White Swan', Salvia x sylvestris 'Schneehugel' and white-flowered shrubs like Choisya x dewitteana 'White Dazzler'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal in container displays, the pure white blooms make a spectacular contrast to the scarlet flowers and dark foliage of Canna 'Tropicanna Black' and the deep purple leaves of Colocasia 'Black Magic'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999230775622,"sku":"DAHLKARMAAZW-Tuber","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/karma-maarten-zwaan-dahlia-flower-head.jpg?v=1755249857"},{"product_id":"karma-prospero-dahlia-tubers","title":"Karma Prospero Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Karma Prospero\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Waterlily\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft lilac-pink with dark stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to November\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent. Bred specifically for the cut flower trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Karma series, bred by Cor and Ronald Verwer, Netherlands. Named after Prospero from Shakespeare's The Tempest\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKarma Prospero: A Cutting Dahlia Bred for the Vase\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Karma series was bred by Cor and Ronald Verwer in the Netherlands specifically for the commercial cut flower trade. Strong stems, upward-facing blooms, long vase life. These are dahlias designed to work as cut flowers first and garden plants second. Karma Prospero is named after the sorcerer from Shakespeare's The Tempest, which is a more literary provenance than most dahlias can claim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are a soft lilac-pink, 14cm across, in the flat, open waterlily form: broad petals overlapping in shallow layers, elegant and understated. The dark stems add contrast and look good in a vase whether you strip the leaves or leave them. At 90cm with a compact 50cm spread, the plant is manageable in a border or a large pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKarma Prospero in the Border\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe soft lilac-pink suits pastel and romantic schemes. Plant alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cafe-au-lait-royal-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCafe au Lait Royal\u003c\/a\u003e (shifting pink dinnerplate) for a pink scheme in two completely different flower forms: flat waterlily against ruffled dinnerplate. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gerrie-hoek-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGerrie Hoek\u003c\/a\u003e (shell pink waterlily, 120cm behind) gives you a waterlily gradient from soft pink to lilac. For darker contrast, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sam-hopkins-waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSam Hopkins\u003c\/a\u003e (deep maroon waterlily, 100cm) is a dramatic partner in the same flower type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and real people on the phone in Somerset. Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ewaterlily dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat makes the Karma series special for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Verwer breeding programme selected specifically for cut flower performance: strong stems, upward-facing blooms (no nodding), long vase life, and clean colours that florists can work with. Karma Prospero is a product of that focus. In practical terms, it means the flowers sit upright in a vase without flopping, and they last longer than many dahlia varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Karma Prospero grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 90cm with a compact spread, it works well in a container of at least 30cm across. The dark stems look particularly good in a dark or metallic pot. Feed fortnightly from June. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does a waterlily dahlia differ from a decorative?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth. Decorative dahlias are fully double with many layers of petals. Waterlily dahlias have fewer petals arranged flat and shallow, overlapping like a lily on a pond. The effect is more elegant and restrained. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/types-of-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia types guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains all the classifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Karma Prospero handle rain?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWaterlily flowers are flat and open, so they hold rainwater. Staking and a sheltered position help. The stems are strong enough to cope with some weight, but heavy rain will damage open blooms. Pick flowers before forecast rain and enjoy them indoors. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999230873926,"sku":"DAHLKARPRO-Tuber","price":5.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/karma-prospero-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249865"},{"product_id":"labyrinth-dahlia-tubers","title":"Labyrinth Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Labyrinth\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (large)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sunset orange and rose-pink, with mahogany stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18cm across\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frosts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Strong mahogany stems, warm tones superb in autumn arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes (2023)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e From March. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-your-order-from-castle-cary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDahlia Labyrinth: Sunset Colours, Dark Stems, and a Brand-New AGM\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLabyrinth is a large decorative dahlia in sunset orange and rose-pink, carried on distinctive mahogany stems that add to the warm palette before you even reach the flowers. The 18cm blooms have the layered, maze-like complexity that earns the name: petals arranged in overlapping spirals, with the colour shifting from warmer orange at the centre to cooler rose-pink at the edges. It's the kind of flower that rewards close looking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt received the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2023, making it one of the newest AGM holders in the dahlia world. At 100cm with a 70cm spread, it's a manageable plant that doesn't need the serious scaffolding of the biggest dinnerplates. The mahogany stems are strong, and the flowers hold themselves up well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLabyrinth is the second-highest-volume search term in our dahlia range after Cafe au Lait. It deserves the attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Partners for Labyrinth\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe sunset tones make Labyrinth a natural centrepiece for warm autumn schemes. Plant with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e (burnt orange, dark bronze foliage, 90cm) for a warm pairing where both plants have ornamental stems. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brown-sugar-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBrown Sugar\u003c\/a\u003e (paprika ball, 90cm) picks up the warm tones in a tighter, more geometric form. For darker contrast, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dark-spirit-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDark Spirit\u003c\/a\u003e (near-black decorative, 90cm) anchors the scheme. The Labyrinth family also includes \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-labyrinth-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRed Labyrinth\u003c\/a\u003e (deeper red-pink) and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/twotone-labyrinth-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eTwotone Labyrinth\u003c\/a\u003e (lilac-pink and white) for a graduated colour range in the same flower form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset if anything isn't right. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edecorative dahlia\u003c\/a\u003e range or the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does the 2023 AGM mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RHS Award of Garden Merit is given after extensive trialling, confirming a plant performs reliably across a range of UK garden conditions. Labyrinth received it in 2023, which is recent enough to reflect current growing and testing standards. It's a strong endorsement of garden performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Labyrinth good for cutting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery. The 18cm flowers are a striking size for arrangements, the mahogany stems look good left visible, and the sunset colours mix beautifully with other warm autumn dahlias. Cut only fully open blooms, early in the morning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Labyrinth grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm with 18cm flowers, it's on the edge. A large pot (at least 35cm) with staking and regular feeding will work, but it's happier in a border. For a warm-toned dahlia better suited to pots, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sylvia-ball-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSylvia\u003c\/a\u003e (warm orange ball, 80cm) is more compact. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003econtainer guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Red Labyrinth and Twotone Labyrinth related?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey share the same large decorative flower form but in different colour combinations. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-labyrinth-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRed Labyrinth\u003c\/a\u003e is deeper red and pink. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/twotone-labyrinth-decorative-dahlia-tubers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eTwotone Labyrinth\u003c\/a\u003e is cooler lilac-pink and white. Plant all three together for a beautiful colour graduation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Labyrinth need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100cm with 18cm flowers, a support ring or sturdy cane is sensible. The mahogany stems are strong but heavy rain will weigh down the blooms. Put supports in at planting time. Full growing advice in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999237525830,"sku":"DAHLLAB-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/labyrinth-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755634532"},{"product_id":"lavender-perfection-decorative-dahlia-tubers","title":"Lavender Perfection Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lavender Perfection\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative (formal, dinnerplate)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft lavender-pink\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–25cm (8–10in) — dinnerplate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frosts with regular deadheading\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cutting, back of borders, dramatic displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tubers (A-grade, re-graded by us)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e After last frost (late April to May)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring by next-day courier. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-from-castle-cary\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eLavender Perfection – The Heirloom Dinnerplate in Soft Lavender\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLavender Perfection has been doing exactly what its name promises since the 1950s. The blooms are enormous — genuinely 20–25cm across, the size of a bread plate — in a soft, warm lavender-pink that is unusual for a dahlia this big. Most dinnerplates come in shades that shout: bold reds, hot oranges, blinding yellows. This one doesn't shout. It holds its own through sheer presence, the way a low voice carries further than a loud one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a formal decorative, which means the broad, flat petals overlap in an even, symmetrical arrangement. On a good plant, the geometry is remarkably precise. The overall effect is architectural rather than blowsy — think National Trust herbaceous border rather than cottage garden chaos. At 100cm it needs the middle or back of a sunny border, and the sheer weight of those flower heads means staking at planting time is not optional. Put the supports in when you plant the tuber, not six weeks later when the stems have already started leaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Appeal of Lavender in the Dahlia Border\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLavender is a colour that flatterers. It lifts a planting scheme without fighting anything nearby, which is why florists reach for this variety when they need a statement flower that doesn't dominate a mixed arrangement. In the garden, plant it behind \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e (burnt orange, dark foliage, half the height) for a combination that looks as if a professional designed it. For a bolder contrast, try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/tartan-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTartan\u003c\/a\u003e — its blackcurrant-and-white stripes against the soft lavender creates something genuinely dramatic. Add \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ornamental-grass-plants\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eornamental grasses\u003c\/a\u003e around them: the movement of Stipa or Miscanthus in the wind offsets the solidity of the dahlia heads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aztecs were growing dahlias in Mexico long before Europeans arrived. They ate the tubers — roasted, they taste somewhere between a potato and a water chestnut. Lavender Perfection is not one we would recommend for the kitchen, but the history puts every dahlia in a perspective that makes you think twice about calling them old-fashioned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and re-graded by us before dispatch. We reject undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and Somerset-based team on the phone if anything isn't right. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e, or see our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decorative-dinnerplate-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edecorative dinnerplate dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a dinnerplate dahlia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny dahlia with flowers over 20cm (8in) across. It is not an official RHS classification — the term covers a range of forms, and most dinnerplates (including Lavender Perfection) are formally classified as decorative dahlias. The name simply describes the scale. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/types-of-dahlias\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edahlia types guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains all the forms and sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Lavender Perfection need staking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithout question. The flower heads are heavy — a 25cm bloom full of rain water can snap an unsupported stem overnight. Place a sturdy stake or support ring next to the tuber at planting time. Tie in the main stems as they grow, and keep tying. This is not a variety you can leave to its own devices in a windy spot. Sheltered, sunny positions give the best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill dahlias come back every year in the UK?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDahlias are tender perennials, which means the tubers survive mild winters but not hard frosts. In southern and coastal gardens, a thick mulch of bark or straw over the crown after the first frost often sees them through. In colder, wetter areas, lift the tubers in November and store them somewhere cool, dark and frost-free until spring. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/overwintering-dahlias\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eoverwintering guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers both approaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow Lavender Perfection in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossible, but not ideal. At 100cm tall with flowers the size of a dinner plate, it becomes top-heavy in a container, and the wind catches those big blooms. If you want a dahlia for pots, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/american-sun-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAmerican Sun\u003c\/a\u003e (compact, golden yellow) or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wine-eyed-jill-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWine Eyed Jill\u003c\/a\u003e (neat ball, peach with a purple eye) are better choices. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003epots guide\u003c\/a\u003e has the full list.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAre dahlias poisonous to dogs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMildly. The tubers and foliage contain compounds that can cause skin irritation and stomach upset if eaten, but they are not life-threatening. Keep dogs away from newly planted tubers, as that is the stage when they look most like something worth chewing. Once the plant is growing, most dogs lose interest. Planting and seasonal care advice is in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999241359686,"sku":"DAHLLAVPE-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/lavender-perfection-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755249858"},{"product_id":"lindas-baby-dahlia-tubers","title":"Linda's Baby Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003ch2\u003eLinda's Baby Dahlia Tubers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe colours of \u003cstrong\u003eLinda's Baby\u003c\/strong\u003e are bold, with the semi-furled petals angry purple-pink in the centre, cooling rapidly through smoky apricot and peach hues that become paler, even sorbet, towards the edge of the flower. With his study stems and gorgeous blooms, this irresistible dahlia is ideal for cutting and lasts well in a vase. This superb cultivar will provide peerless colour through the summer and well into autumn. \u003cbr\u003e Browse our other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/ball-dahlia-tubers\"\u003eBall Dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e or our full range of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\"\u003eDahlias here\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eColour: Smoky salmon pink\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFlower Size: 8-10cm \u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eType: Ball\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCutting: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHeight\/spread: 90cm x 70cm \u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFlowering: July to November\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePlanting Months: March to July\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Linda's Baby Dahlias\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDahlias like deep, fertile soil with good drainage and this compact variety is ideal for the middle of a sunny border. Add stakes at planting time, so support is available when it's needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater well in dry periods and keep your dahlias flowering abundantly throughout summer and autumn by adding a bit of soluble food in the watering can once every couple of weeks. Dahlias grown in containers need to be kept especially well watered and fed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGarden Design Ideas\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis strong stems and graceful blooms are the perfect addition to any cutting garden, and dreamy coral-pink flowers combine beautifully with similar dahlias like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/products\/burlesca-pom-pom-dahlia-tubers\"\u003eBurlesque\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/products\/caitlins-joy-ball-dahlia-tubers\"\u003eCaitlin's Joy\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe creates dramatic impact as a specimen plant in container displays, and looks magnificent in a sunny border alongside grasses and the soft blues and purples of salvia, agastache and lavender.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999245947206,"sku":"DAHLLINBAB-Tuber","price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/lindas-baby-dahlia-flowers.jpg?v=1755634547"},{"product_id":"lucca-johanna-dahlia-tubers","title":"Lucca Johanna Dahlia Tubers","description":"\u003cul class=\"pdp-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lucca Johanna\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Waterlily\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e White at the centre, lilac-pink at the tips\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10–13cm (4–5in) — medium waterlily\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e July to first frosts with regular deadheading\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRHS AGM:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cutting, borders, containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tubers (A-grade, re-graded by us)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e After last frost (late April to May)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring by next-day courier. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/collect-from-castle-cary\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCollection from Castle Cary\u003c\/a\u003e also available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- IMAGE: lucca-johanna-dahlia-waterlily-flower.jpg — alt=\"Lucca Johanna waterlily dahlia with white petals tipped lilac-pink\" --\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eLucca Johanna – A Waterlily Dahlia Made for the Vase\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLucca Johanna belongs to the waterlily group, which means the blooms are wide and shallow rather than deep and round, with broad petals that curve gently upwards from a flat centre. The effect is poised, delicate, almost floating — more refined than the blousy decoratives and more open than the tight geometry of a ball dahlia. The flowers are white at the heart with lilac-pink brushed across the petal tips, a combination that reads as soft pink from a distance and reveals its two-tone subtlety close up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis variety was bred for the cut flower trade, and it shows. The stems are upright and strong enough for arranging without flopping, the flower heads face outwards rather than nodding, and the blooms hold their shape in water for a good five days. At 90cm tall it sits neatly in the middle of a border without dominating, and the moderate flower size — 10–13cm across — means you get quantity rather than a few enormous heads. A single well-fed plant will produce dozens of stems through the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eColour That Works With Everything\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe white-into-lilac palette is genuinely versatile. It sits comfortably alongside hot oranges without clashing, cools down a red scheme, and looks exquisite with silver foliage and pale blues. In a cutting garden it mixes into almost any arrangement. Pair it with something strong — \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rip-city-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRip City\u003c\/a\u003e gives you deep red contrast, while \u003ca href=\"\/products\/david-howard-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDavid Howard\u003c\/a\u003e adds burnt orange and dark foliage behind it. For a quieter look, plant it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/boom-boom-white-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBoom Boom White\u003c\/a\u003e and let the lilac tips do the talking against a clean white background. A drift of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/lavender-plants\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003elavender\u003c\/a\u003e at the feet adds scent — something dahlias conspicuously lack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Ashridge?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and re-graded by us before dispatch. Undersized tubers get rejected. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and real people on the phone in Somerset if anything isn't right. Browse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edahlia collection\u003c\/a\u003e, or see all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/waterlily-dahlia-tubers\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewaterlily dahlias\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a waterlily dahlia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA waterlily dahlia has flowers that are broad and flat rather than ball-shaped, with broad petals curving gently upwards from a shallow centre — the depth of the bloom is never more than a third of its width. They look like their namesake floating on a pond. It is an official RHS classification (Group 4), not just a marketing term. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/types-of-dahlias\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edahlia types guide\u003c\/a\u003e explains all the forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Lucca Johanna grow in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell suited to containers. At 90cm with medium-sized flowers, it stays compact and the stems are strong enough to resist wind without heavy staking. Use a pot at least 30cm across and deep, water regularly, and feed fortnightly with liquid tomato food from June. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/dahlias-in-pots\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edahlias in pots guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers the detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo dahlias come back every year?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDahlias are tender perennials. In mild areas and sheltered gardens, tubers left in the ground under a thick mulch will often come back year after year. In colder or wetter spots, lift them after the first frosts and store somewhere cool and frost-free until spring. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/overwintering-dahlias\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eoverwintering guide\u003c\/a\u003e walks you through both approaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I make Lucca Johanna cut flowers last longer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut stems in the early morning when they are fully turgid. Pick flowers that are about 90% open — dahlia buds barely develop once cut. Strip the lower leaves, hold the cut stems underwater and make a fresh diagonal cut, then transfer quickly to the vase without exposing the stem ends to air. Dahlia stems are hollow, and air locks in the vascular system kill flowers fast. Change the water every day and add a drop of flower food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo dahlias need full sun?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull sun produces the most flowers and the strongest stems. Lucca Johanna will tolerate light afternoon shade without serious impact, but fewer than five or six hours of direct sun noticeably reduces the number of blooms. Planting, feeding and seasonal care are covered in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-dahlias\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edahlia growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashridge","offers":[{"title":"Tubers \/ Tuber","offer_id":54999252762950,"sku":"DAHLLUCJO-TUBER","price":5.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/files\/lucca-johanna-dahlia-flower.jpg?v=1755249859"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0947\/0351\/8022\/collections\/tropical-sunset-dahlia-collection.jpg?v=1756557826","url":"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/dahlia-tubers.oembed?page=5","provider":"Ashridge Nurseries","version":"1.0","type":"link"}