Colour, Character, and Summer Star Quality
There’s nothing subtle about a Dahlia. And that’s exactly the point.
Come midsummer, these divas of the garden take centre stage: loud, lush, and gloriously unapologetic. With their bold hues, spiralled symmetry, and habit of flowering like there’s no tomorrow, Dahlias are the garden’s equivalent of a street parade. Whether you’ve got a balcony in Kentish Town or a full garden plot in Camden, these show-stoppers deliver style in spades.
At Boma Garden Centre, we see it every July: customers wandering in, visibly stunned by the scale and personality of our Dahlia selection. This isn’t just another plant, it’s a true spectacle. And the good news? With a little care, that spectacle lasts well into autumn.
From Aztec Sacred Symbol to London Garden Favourite
Native to Mexico and Guatemala, Dahlias were once revered by the Aztecs, valued for their medicinal properties and edible tubers. Fast forward to the 18th century, and these plants made their grand entrance into Europe via Spanish botanists. Their dramatic flair quickly caught on — especially in Victorian Britain, where their variety and eccentricity made them the darlings of botanical gardens.
Today, they’re still adored. However, with modern breeding, we now enjoy forms the Aztecs never imagined. Dwarf Dahlias, giant dinner-plate blooms, cactus types with twisted petals, and bi-coloured beauties all bring drama to UK gardens. And thanks to innovations in container gardening, even balcony growers can join the party.
Meet the Cast: Dahlias with Distinct Personalities
Each Dahlia cultivar has its own persona and at Boma, we love to play matchmaker between plant and gardener.
- Dahlia Waltzing Mathilda dances to her own rhythm, with bronze foliage and peachy petals tinged with pink. She thrives in containers and catches the golden hour like a pro.
- Dahlia Totally Tangerine is your sunrise in a pot — soft coral-orange with a wild, informal shape. Pollinators adore her open centre, making her both stylish and bee-friendly.
- Dahlia Dark Aruna flaunts deep scarlet petals on near-black stems — striking against green backdrops or black containers.
- Dahlia Gardenetta Orange is compact but packs punch — bright, rich orange with a no-nonsense flower form that suits patios or small beds.
- Dahlia Summer Red Bicolour brings candy-striped cheer in vivid red and creamy white. She’s cheerful, bold, and never blends into the background.
- Dahlia Maggiore Purple, Rose Bico, and Fun Pastel — these giants make high-impact statements, with long-lasting flowers and a statuesque habit ideal for rear-border drama or large containers.
- Dahlia Labella Grande Chocolate Amber has a moody edge. Her rich amber petals edged in deeper tones evoke late-summer sunsets — pairing beautifully with grasses or dark-leaved plants.
- Dahlia Dahlegria Red is compact and crimson, perfect for modern urban planting — intense, compact, and stylishly low-maintenance.
- Dahlia Yellow Patio brings an unexpected sunshine burst — pure, clean yellow petals that light up the greyest corners of a London garden.
- Dahlia Hypnotica Rose Swirl is for those who love a twist — creamy petals edged in hot pink, like a confectionery explosion in flower form.
Each one is available at Boma either in-store or online, with local delivery across M25 postcodes.
Designing with Drama: How to Plant Dahlias Well
Dahlias are high-impact players, but they love good company. For best visual effect and planting synergy, pair them with:
- Salvias (like Salvia Amistad or Caradonna): Their vertical form and muted tones ground the exuberance of Dahlias.
- Ornamental grasses: The fine texture of Pennisetum or Stipa offsets Dahlia’s chunky elegance.
- Cosmos and Zinnias: Keep the bold, joyful mood going.
- Foliage plants: Think Coleus, Heuchera, or bronze-leaved plants to contrast or echo Dahlia tones.
If you’re planting in containers, be generous with space and choose companions that won’t compete for attention. Dahlias are here to be the star.
Top Tips for Growing Dahlias in London Gardens
You don’t need a sprawling estate to grow these headliners. Follow these pro tips:
Soil and Planting
- Dahlias love rich, well-drained soil. Add compost or manure before planting.
- Position them in full sun for at least six hours daily.
Watering
- Water regularly, especially in pots. Don’t let them dry out, but avoid waterlogging.
Feeding
- Feed fortnightly with a high-potash fertiliser (like tomato feed) once buds form.
Deadheading
- Keep them flowering by cutting off spent blooms regularly.
Lifting or Mulching
- In most London gardens, you can mulch deeply and leave tubers in the ground over winter.
- For very exposed areas or heavy clay soil, lift tubers after the first frost, dry them, and store frost-free until spring.
Staking
- Taller Dahlias, especially the Maggiore varieties, benefit from support. Use discreet bamboo canes or link stakes.
From Patio to Postcode: Dahlias Delivered to Your Door
Whether you’re designing a dramatic border or want a statement pot for your patio, Dahlias bring more than just colour; they bring joy. The kind of bold, energising joy that turns a tired urban garden into something electric.
At Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town, we stock all the named cultivars mentioned here. Being a sort-after summer favourite, stock moves very quickly and is in big demand; available in-store for plant lovers who want to choose in person, or online with delivery available throughout M25 postcodes.
Don’t miss the Dahlia season. It’s a short window — but an unforgettable one.
FAQs about Growing Dahlias in London Gardens
Can I grow Dahlias in pots on a balcony?
Yes! Choose compact varieties like Gardenetta Orange, Yellow Patio, or Dahlegria Red. Use large pots (30cm+) and rich compost, and water regularly.
Do I need to dig up Dahlias every winter in London?
Not always. If you mulch well and have good drainage, tubers often survive mild London winters. In colder or wet conditions, lifting is safer.
Which Dahlias attract pollinators?
Open-centred Dahlias like Totally Tangerine are great for bees. Avoid tightly petalled forms if pollinator support is your goal.
How do I keep Dahlias blooming all summer?
To keep Dahlias blooming throughout summer, deadhead often, feed with high-potash fertiliser, and water consistently.
Can I mix Dahlias with Salvias in one pot?
Yes, but give Dahlias enough space and light. Salvias work well as filler plants around them.
When should I plant Dahlias?
From late spring onward, after the last frost. If you’re buying them from Boma in July, they’re already rooted and ready to go.
