The ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ dahlia is a distinctive and popular choice, celebrated for its aesthetic appeal. Its vibrant flowers against dark foliage offer dramatic contrast in any garden. This variety provides unique visual interest.
Understanding ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ Dahlia
The ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ dahlia is renowned for its unique visual characteristics. Its single or semi-double blooms are vibrant magenta or deep pink, often deepening to plum. Prominent golden stamens attract pollinators.
Its striking foliage, a hallmark of the “Bishop” series, is dark, bronze-purple, or almost black. This provides a dramatic backdrop for the bright flowers.
The variety exhibits an upright growth habit, reaching 30 to 36 inches (70-90 cm) tall with a spread of 12 to 20 inches (30-50 cm), making it a versatile medium-sized dahlia.
Planting and Cultivating ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ Dahlia
Cultivating ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ dahlia begins with proper site selection. They thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours daily for optimal growth and blooming. Soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Improving soil with compost enhances drainage and fertility.
Plant tubers after the last spring frost and when soil has warmed, typically late April to mid-May. Plant tubers horizontally 4-6 inches (10-12 cm) deep, “eyes” facing upwards. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) apart for ample growth.
For containers, select large pots with drainage holes. Container-grown dahlias may require more frequent watering than those in the ground due to faster soil drying. Initial watering after planting helps settle soil around the tubers.
Ongoing Care for ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ Dahlia
Consistent care helps ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ dahlia produce abundant blooms. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, keeps soil evenly moist. Deep watering at the base avoids wetting foliage, helping prevent disease.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and flowering. Apply a high-nitrogen liquid feed weekly in June, then a high-potash fertilizer from July to September. Alternatively, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, with a mid-summer boost of a phosphorus-rich formula.
As dahlias grow tall, staking may be necessary to support heavy blooms and prevent stems from breaking.
Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms and maintains tidiness. Pinching young plants promotes bushier growth, leading to more flowers. Regular pruning of leggy or overgrown stems helps maintain the plant’s shape and vigor.
Winterizing ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ Dahlias
In colder climates where winter temperatures drop below freezing, protecting ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ dahlia tubers is important. After the first hard frost blackens foliage, usually in late autumn, prepare tubers for winter storage. This signals dormancy, allowing tubers to accumulate necessary sugars.
Carefully dig up tubers, using a garden fork or spade, at least a foot from the main stem to avoid damage. Brush off excess soil and dry tubers in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for several days or weeks. This curing process helps prevent rot during storage.
Before storing, remove remaining soil and lightly dust tubers with sulfur powder to deter fungal issues. Store cleaned, dried tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location, ideally 40-50°F (4-10°C).
Suitable storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or sand, which maintain slight moisture without causing rot. Place them in cardboard boxes or paper bags for air circulation. Divide larger tuber clumps, ensuring each division has at least one “eye” for future growth.
Addressing Pests and Diseases
Even with proper care, ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ dahlias can encounter pests and diseases. Common pests include slugs and snails, which damage young foliage. Hand-picking or using organic slug repellents helps manage their populations.
Aphids often cluster on new growth, causing yellowing and stunted development. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil treat infestations.
Earwigs and spider mites are occasional nuisances. Earwigs chew on leaves and flower petals; spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing stippling. Hosing off plants dislodges spider mites, and good garden sanitation deters earwigs.
Dahlias can be susceptible to diseases, particularly fungal issues. Powdery mildew appears as a white coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions. Botrytis, or grey mold, can cause brown spots on leaves and flowers.
Ensuring good air circulation through proper plant spacing and regular deadheading helps prevent fungal diseases. Viral diseases can affect dahlias, causing distorted growth or discolored foliage; remove affected plants to prevent spread.
Maintaining healthy growing conditions, including watering and fertilization, boosts the plant’s natural resistance to pests and diseases.