JACK WALLINGTON

Garden designer and writer, who has trialled several dahlias

1 Dahlia ‘Bishop of Canterbury’ Bright-magenta petals contrast beautifully with purple-black, finely cut foliage. The flowers are single – as are all in the Bishop Series – and are loved by bees and other pollinators. Excellent in pots and unlikely to need staking.

F July – November. H 70cm.

2 Dahlia ‘Purpinca’

Ideal for window boxes and small pots. This dwarf anemone dahlia has a ring of standard petals surrounding tightly clumped, tubular petals. A deep, red-plum colour that glows magenta backlit by sun. No staking. F July – November. H 30cm.

3 Dahlia ‘Hillcrest Royal’

Loved by the late, great plantsman Christopher Lloyd of Great Dixter fame, this deep pink-magenta cactus dahlia has a blue glow. Flowers are a contemporary cut shape for those avoiding blousiness. Needs staking.

F July – November. H 1.5m.

4 Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Deco’

All the Gallery Series dahlias are excellent for pots and front of border but differ in shape and colour. This one has warm, tousled orange petals with red backs invoking the rich colours of Moroccan spice. No staking. AGM. F July – November. H 40cm.

5 Dahlia ‘Black Jack’

The dahlia with perhaps the darkest black flowers, especially when they first open, eventually gaining a red tint. Dark foliage with stems coated in a dusty bloom. Good cut flower. Needs staking. F July – November. H 1.8m.

6 Dahlia ‘Emory Paul’

For many this is the king of dahlias. Its giant, pink, dinner-plate flowers work well at the back of a borders thanks to their looser, ruffled petals. Stake higher to support the very heavy flowers.

F July – November. H 1.8m.