9 great garden dahlias

‘Karma Choc’ AGM One of the Karma series, this floriferous dahlia has brownish foliage and slender stems topped by deep red flowers. Good with yellow rudbeckias. H: 4ft (120cm).

‘Waltzing Matilda’ AGM This coral pink and sunset whirligig has informally shaped, often non-symmetrical flowers, making it a fabulous choice for the front of a border. H: 2ft (60cm).

‘Totally Tangerine’ Too new for an award, this anemonecentred option has a neat dark-tangerine middle surrounded by petals that morph between pink and orange. H: 2ft (60cm).

‘Twyning’s After Eight’ AGM A bee-friendly, elegant blush-white single with dark foliage and stems. The hint of pink in the flower means it mixes well with purple and pink asters. H: 4ft (120cm).

‘Thomas A. Edison’ No AGM here, but this 1929 plum-topurple dahlia has stood the test of time. Glorious with deep reds or next to golden oat grass (Stipa gigantea). H: 4ft (120cm).

‘Happy Single Wink’ AGM The Dutch-bred Happy series make good container plants, and this pink single has a dark raspberry middle that flatters the dark foliage. H: 1ft (30cm).

‘Otto’s Thrill’ AGM Giant decorative with rose pink flowers (up to 10in/25cm across) formed of slightly wavy petals. One of the few giants I grow, it holds its head well. H: 3-4ft (100-120cm).

‘Pooh Swan Island’ AGM This tangerine red and sunshine yellow collerette is strong enough to survive in borders in mild areas. The slightly ragged middle adds something, too. H: 3ft (100cm).

‘Pearl of Heemstede’ AGM A prolific, soft pink waterlily with masses of flowers on long stems. Great with purple asters, Verbena bonariensis or Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’. H: 3ft (90cm).