Eight red dahlias to grow
Red and crimson dahlias add a splash of colour to any border or pot. Here are eight of the best to grow.
No summer garden should be without dahlias. Perfect for the border or the cutting patch, they flower for ages in a host of bright colours, from white through to almost black. Grow them from tubers in spring for the best choice of varieties, or buy ready-grown plants at the garden centre in summer.
The colour you choose will depend on your chosen colour scheme - red and crimson dahlias offer a pop of colour and looks great in 'hot' borders or pots.
Here are eight red and crimson dahlias to grow.
Dahlia 'Alva's Doris'
Dahlia 'Alva's Doris' is a tall semi-cactus dahlia, with large, red spiky blooms. It's excellent for cutting and exhibiting.
Dahlia 'Aurora's Kiss'
Dahlia 'Aurora's Kiss' is a miniature ball dahlia, bearing small, dark red, ball-shaped blooms on tall stems. It makes a lovely cut flower.
Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff'
Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' is a very popular dahlia, and one of the best single types available. Its bright red, single flowers are attractive to bees and are perfect for cutting. It also has attractive bronze-tinged foliage.
Dahlia 'Charlotte Bateson'
Dahlia 'Charlotte Bateson' is a miniature ball dahlia, bearing small, deep pink ball-shaped blooms on tall stems from midsummer to autumn. It's perfect for growing in a mixed herbaceous border and makes an excellent cut flower.
Dahlia 'Cornel'
Dahlia 'Cornel' is a pompom dahlia, bearing medium-sized, pompom-shaped purple-red flowers on strong stems. It makes a gorgeous cut flower.
Dahlia 'Doris Day'
Dahlia 'Doris Day' bears small, bright red cactus flowers. It's perfect for growing in a mixed herbaceous border, and makes an excellent cut flower.
Dahlia 'Kilburn Rose'
Dahlia 'Kilburn Rose' is a gorgeous ‘waterlily’ dahlia, with gorgeous pink flowers. They contrast nicely with the mid-green foliage.
Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby'
Another waterlily type, Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby' bears eye-catching scarlet flowers from summer to autumn.
