The Dahlia Collection

We have selected twenty six dahlias that we know are easy to grow and flower magnificently. Included are the fascinating forms of the immaculate tiny Pom Poms, the simple Anemone and the wild quill like Cactus flowers.

 

Not to forget the perfect Decorative and the back of the border giant “dinner plate“ in sizes that amaze, and as I stand to admire them I ask myself each year “ why did I not plant more”? Our super-size tubers are here and we will dispatch, wrapped in linen bags within water proof packing, from the third week of February.

Showing 13–24 of 26 results

  • Golden Sceptre

    Pom-pom. H:70cm Flower:8cm A perfectly formed golden canary yellow ball with a deepening centre that bobs in the breeze. It has strong stems, green foliage and is easy to grow. One tuber £4.95 £4.95 Read more Out of stock
  • Hollyhill Spider Woman

    Cactus, H:70cm Flower:20cm A new and unique weirdly wonderful flower that is a tangled collection of quill like petals in magenta and white that reminds me of a bad hair day. A flower arrangers delight and a garden show stopper £7.95 Read more Out of stock
  • Kelvin Floodlight

    Decorative, H:70cm Flower:25cm This is a statement “dinner plate” dahlia to be placed like a giant yellow sun at the back of a border.   £7.95 Read more Out of stock
  • Kogane Fubuki

    Decorative, H:100cm Flower:25cm With often 30 flowers per plant this dahlia is often described as a chameleon with its pineapple yellow, deepening to rhubarb coloured flower. It is finely fringed and will tolerate full sun but is happiest in a sheltered position.   £7.95 Read more Out of stock
  • My Love

    Semi cactus, H:1m Flower:15cm A shiny pristine white dahlia that is deeply packed with spike like petals to form white perfection on crisp green foliage. An excellent cut flower. £4.95 Read more Out of stock
  • Painted Girl

    Decorative, H:90cm Flower:15cm A new very different bi-colour dahlia in bright lilac pink with its blooms splashed purple red. A recommended performer. £4.95 Read more Out of stock
  • Pooh Swan Island

    Collarette, H:1m Flower:11cm Another West Green House favourite that resembles a story book illustration. Flat and open in vibrant orange and yellow that seems to smile and glow, attracting wildlife. A prolific flowering dahlia. £4.95 Read more Out of stock
  • Preference

    Cactus, H:1m Flower:25cm A sunburst of peach, coral tones with pointy petals on long sturdy stems. It’s Autumn colours enhance the back of the border. £4.95 Read more Out of stock
  • Purple Bouquet

    Anemone, H:70cm Flower:15cm A ring of rich purple pink petals with a centre resembling a powder puff is held on sturdy stems. This perhaps the first anemone style flowers with cut flower qualities.   £4.95 Read more Out of stock
  • Red Silence

    Decorative, H:80cm Flower:20cm An intense dramatic coral red flower that resembles a stunning sunset turning lemon at the centre of each petal. It’s an excellent cut flower. £4.95 Read more Out of stock
  • Shaggy Chic

    Fimbriate, H:110cm Flower:15cm A stunning collection of warm peach to pink spikey quilled petals that glow from backlit undertones of yellow. £4.95 Read more Out of stock
  • Sir Alf Ramsey

    Decorative, H:90cm Flower:30cm This is such a romantically coloured soft lilac pink to white collection of froufrou petals in a super large diner plate dahlia. It is a magnificent plant. £7.95 Read more Out of stock

TIPS for Growing and Storing Dahlias

PLANTING

Dahlia tubers may be potted on from April and left in a light and warm space till transplanted as the new leaves appear in late June. Hopefully the frosts will have ended, but if a late frost is forecast just cover with frost proof cloth.

Pot up in well drained peat free compost, water, then leave, for too much water will cause the tuber to rot.

Once a number of leaves begin to appear on the tuber pinch out all but say 4 groups of leaves this will leave four strong stems to grow.

Plant out in a sunny position in well-drained soil, placing the tuber “eyes up” just under the ground where some gravel placed at the bottom of the hole can assist with drainage if the soil has too much clay. 

Stake the plants immediately, as they grow quickly and can be damaged by wind and heavy rain 

Water during dry spells.

LIFTING & STORING DAHLIAS

After the first frosts the Dahlias will become dark brown. Leave the frosted Dahlias in situ for around a week or two. Do not leave the plants too long as they must not freeze.

I like to cut back the frosted foliage leaving just a short 4” stem.

Once the tubers are dug up, leave the soil to dry. When dry shake off and dust off any clogged soil between the tubers then store in open crates so the air may circulate 

Dahlias are quite delicate and do not like to be stacked together as if they are too close, they can absorb moisture and rot can occur. 

To protect the Dahlia, place them in sawdust or wrap in newspaper. Store away from the light in a dry space that does not fall below 40/50 degrees. 

As climate change is giving us warmer winters many people advocate leaving the Dahlias in situ and cover generously with compost. 

I tried this and lost nearly all my dahlia collection, so I do not recommend. Also do not store in an unheated glasshouse as the cold from frost will kill the tuber.