perennial

Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia

Dahlia x hybrida 'Bishop of Canterbury'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dahlia 'Bishop of Canterbury' is a tuberous perennial noted for its deep purple-red, single flowers with dark centers, held above contrasting dark bronze-purple foliage.

A member of the 'Bishop' series, this dahlia is prized for the dramatic contrast between its vibrant purple-red flowers and its deep bronze-purple foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright, large flowers add striking color to gardens and bouquets.
Practical UsesExcellent for cut flower arrangements, long-lasting in vases.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies during bloom.
SpeciesDahlia x hybridaGarden Dahlia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Tender perennial

Native To

Mexico

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
  2. Tuck tubers 4 inches deep in early spring after the last frost.
  3. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
  4. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth.
  5. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth after planting.
  6. Lift and store tubers in winter in colder zones.

Pro Tip

Use organic compost to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
  • Pinch to promote bushier growth
  • Apply fertilizer monthly during blooming season

Don't

  • Overwater to prevent tuber rot ❌
  • Allow soil to dry out completely between watering ❌
  • Avoid disturbing tubers during dormancy

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Lift Store
Pinch
Plant
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful border with vibrant bloomsContainer display for patiosCut flower arrangements

Companion Plants

Marigolds SalviaPelargoniums Zinnias

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia questions

What zones can Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia grow in?

Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia bloom?

Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia typically blooms in summer to fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia need full sun?

Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.