Bishop / Paeony Dahlias

Why should you choose bishop dahlia bulbs?

Bishop dahlias are a brilliant choice for gardeners who want both beauty and versatility in their planting. Their striking purple-tinted or bronze-purple foliage provides a stunning backdrop for the vibrant blooms, offering a unique contrast.

One of the key reasons to choose bishop dahlias is their open flower form, which is highly attractive to pollinators. If you're looking to create a wildlife-friendly garden, these dahlias are perfect for supporting bees and other beneficial insects. Their simple, elegant blooms bring a natural feel, while their rich colours and textures add drama and vibrancy to borders and containers alike.

These dahlias are easy to grow, thrive in sunny spots, and provide a long-lasting display from summer into autumn. With their blend of colour, texture, and pollinator appeal, bishop dahlias are a fantastic addition to any garden that values both aesthetic appeal and ecological balance.

Stephen’s bishop dahlia bulbs top picks

Stephen Teeuw is the 3rd generation of his family to work in the flower bulb industry; he grows hundreds of varieties of new bulbs each year. At Peter Nyssen, we offer a wide variety of bishop dahlias to satisfy the needs of any gardening enthusiast. Here are Stephen’s top picks:

• Dahlia Bishop of Dover: White flowers softly brushed with pink, this is a dahlia tuber you need to hang on to over winter to replant every year

• Dahlia Bishop of York: So dramatic they can set the tone for your whole garden. Why not try a dark leaf bed?

• Dahlia Bishop of Canterbury: Aside from the dark leaves, Bishop dahlias flower colours are electric!

How to plant bishop dahlia bulbs

Planting bishop dahlia bulbs is a simple process that will reward you with striking foliage and beautiful blooms throughout the summer and into autumn. Follow these steps to help your dahlias thrive.

Choose the right location: Bishop dahlias love full sun, so select a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. They prefer well-drained soil, so if your soil is heavy or clay-like, add some grit or compost to improve drainage.

Prepare the soil: Dig a hole about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) deep for each bulb. Work in organic matter like well-rotted compost to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.

Plant the bulbs: Place the dahlia tubers horizontally with the growing eyes (buds) facing upwards. Cover them with soil, making sure the tubers are buried around 10-15 cm deep. Space each tuber about 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart to give them enough room to grow and spread.

Water thoroughly: After planting, water the area well to settle the soil around the bulbs. Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to rot.

Support the plants: As bishop dahlias can grow tall, you may want to stake the plants to keep the stems upright and prevent them from snapping in windy conditions.

With these simple steps, your bishop dahlias will flourish, filling your garden with their vibrant flowers and unique foliage, while also providing a haven for pollinators.

Why choose Peter Nyssen bulbs?

• We are a friendly, family-run business with more than 60 years of experience

• We offer bulk prices and free delivery for orders over £50

• We supply flower bulbs in quantities large and small, for all types of gardeners from the cottage potterer to the professional landscaper 

• With a range of colours and varieties available, you'll be spoilt for choice.

FAQs 

What’s the best time to plant bishop dahlia bulbs?

The best time to plant bishop dahlias is in spring after the risk of frost has passed. This gives the tubers plenty of time to establish and ensures they will bloom from mid-summer through to autumn.

Can I grow bishop dahlias in containers?

Yes, bishop dahlias thrive in containers, provided they have enough room for their roots to spread. Use a well-draining potting mix, place the pot in full sun, and ensure the container is large enough to support the plant’s height and spread.

Why are my bishop dahlias not blooming?

If your bishop dahlias aren’t blooming, it could be due to insufficient sunlight, poor soil nutrition, or overcrowding. Make sure they are planted in a sunny spot and consider feeding them with a balanced fertiliser. Ensure there’s enough space between plants to allow air circulation and proper growth.

Do bishop dahlias attract pollinators?

Yes, bishop dahlias are highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. Their open flowers provide easy access to pollen and nectar, making them a great choice for gardeners looking to support wildlife.

How tall do bishop dahlias grow, and do they need staking?

Bishop dahlias can grow up to 90 cm (3 feet) tall, and in windy conditions, it’s advisable to provide support. Staking the plants early in the season helps keep them upright and prevents damage to their stems as they grow taller.

Need more help?

​​Looking for a bold, elegant addition to your garden? Bishop dahlias offer stunning purple-tinted foliage and vibrant blooms that are sure to make a statement. Whether you're planting in borders or containers, these dahlias bring both beauty and pollinator-friendly flowers to your space, blooming from summer into autumn.