Bishop of York Dahlia Tubers

• Variety: Bishop of York
• Type: Peony (semi-double, open centre)
• Colour: Golden yellow with a marmalade-orange centre
• Foliage: Dark burgundy stems with mid-green leaves
• Flower size: 10 to 15cm across
• Height: 90cm
• Spread: 90cm
• Flowering: July to November
• Cutting: Yes. Strong stems
• Pollinators: Good. Open centre with visible disc
• RHS AGM: No
• Sold as: Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality
• Plant outdoors: March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)
• Delivered: From March. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Bishop of York: Golden Yellow with the Dark Bishop Foliage

The Bishop series is famous for dark foliage and open, pollinator-friendly flowers. Bishop of Llandaff, the original from 1924, is scarlet. Bishop of Auckland is velvety crimson. Bishop of York is the warm one: bright golden-yellow petals with a marmalade-orange centre, carried against dark burgundy stems.

It'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.

At 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.

What Goes with Bishop of York

Plant the Bishop series together for a stunning dark-foliaged border with flowers running from scarlet through crimson to gold: Bishop of Llandaff (scarlet), Bishop of Auckland (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 Ariston (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.

Why Ashridge?

Our 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 dahlia collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bishop of York part of the same series as Bishop of Llandaff?

Yes. The Bishop series all share the distinctive dark foliage that Bishop of Llandaff 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.

Is Bishop of York good for bees?

Yes. 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.

Will Bishop of York grow in a pot?

Very 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 dahlias in pots guide has the detail.

Does Bishop of York need staking?

Usually 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 dahlia growing guide.

How does Bishop of York compare to David Howard?

David Howard 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.