We visited Perch Hill, the home of Sarah Raven to see her garden in full bloom. In September, the test beds are full of the dahlias for which Sarah is so well known. We couldn't help but ask what it is that makes dahlias such special plants, and get a few recommendations of Sarah's favourites.
What is it that you most love about dahlias?
There's just sort of every colour and shape and size of Dahlia. And that is, I guess, one of the main reasons I love them — there is a dahlia for everybody. There are a few ugly dahlias, with too much going on (I’ll name no names, in case I later change my mind!), and it’s true that they can get munched by slugs and I know that some people don’t like the smell… but you can’t let these minor things put you off.
Our newly mild winters mean that dahlias can be treated much like a perennial; in all but the coldest, highest and wettest spots, they can be left in the garden through the winter in the UK — and there is then no more generous, lower-maintenance flowering plant. Dahlias are all prolifically cut-and-come-again, but most of all I love them for providing an incredible party of glamour and richness just when most things plants in the garden are fading away.
Blow Ladies Day at Ascot, with a good few dahlias planted in your garden, you’ll have every fascinator, silk dress and even ball gown to luxuriate in right outside your door.
Would you recommend a few of your favourites for our readers?
Dahlia 'Lou Farman'
This is our most recently bred dahlia, named after my long-standing business partner and dear friend. I adore this large-flowered single dahlia.
- Buy now from Sarah Raven (from £6.95).
Dahlia 'Molly Raven'
A fantastic variety which kind of has everything - it's a great cut flower with better than average vase life, is compact enough (just!) to fit well in a large pot and has dark foliage as well as wonderful soft two-tone flowers. The only thing is, as a double, it's not full of nectar for the pollinators, unlike most of this list.
- Buy now from Sarah Raven (from £6.95).
Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine'
This is a truly marvellous dahlia that we had filling the garden at Perch Hill last year. I adore this soft terracotta orange and the similar, but more compact 'Josie', bred by us to be suited to growing in pots with flowers in a clear, intense orange.
- Buy now from Sarah Raven (from £4.95).
Dahlia 'Waltzing Mathilda'
A wonderful dahlia with a relaxed, informal shape. A beautiful peach to flame and coral colour above black-crimson foliage. I absolutely love it.
- Buy now from Sarah Raven (from £5.50).
Dahlia 'Bishop of Auckland'
The perfect dahlia, with velvety, crimson, single flowers and dark crimson leaves. Very busy with pollinators.
- Buy now from Sarah Raven (from £4.95).
Dahlia 'Penhill Dark Monarch'
A mix of soft apricot, coffee mousse and raspberry in this 'Café au Lait'-style and size of dahlia.
- Buy now from Sarah Raven (from £12.95).
Dahlia 'Labyrinth'
Well I never thought I'd like this one, but I absolutely love it - like the Queen Mother's hat, with beautiful curvy petals, it is glamorous and head-turning.
- Buy now from Sarah Raven (from £5.50).
