perennial

Bishop's Children Dahlia

Dahlia x hybrida 'Bishop's Children'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dahlia x hybrida 'Bishop's Children' is known for its vibrant, uniquely colored flowers that range from dark maroon to orange and yellow.

This cultivar is particularly valued for its open-centered blooms which attract pollinators and its strong stems that support upright growth.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesVivid dahlias add striking color and elegance to garden borders and containers, enhancing visual appeal.
Practical UsesDahlias can be cut and arranged for long-lasting floral displays indoors.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies when in bloom, contributing to garden biodiversity.
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

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial in frost-free zones

Native To

Mexico and Central America

Toxicity

Toxic to pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or tubers into well-drained soil in early spring.
  2. Water consistently to keep soil moist but not soggy during growing season.
  3. Pinch out the center growth to encourage bushier plants after seedlings establish.
  4. Support tall varieties with stakes as they grow taller.
  5. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
  6. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.

Pro Tip

Plant dahlias in full sun with rich, well-drained soil for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells 🌱
  • Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
  • Stake tall varieties to prevent flopping

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent tuber rot ❌
  • Don’t disturb tubers during the growing season
  • Refrain from fertilizing with high nitrogen to prevent excessive leafy growth

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 plant with vibrant bloomsContainer display for patios and decksCut flower arrangements with long-lasting flowers

Companion Plants

Marigolds Zinnias SalviaCosmosPetunias

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bishop's Children Dahlia questions

What zones can Bishop's Children Dahlia grow in?

Bishop's Children 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's Children Dahlia deer resistant?

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

When does Bishop's Children Dahlia bloom?

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

Does Bishop's Children Dahlia need full sun?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Bishop's Children 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.