Long-Flowering Summer Support for Pollinators

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Leicester’ is a single-flowered dahlia chosen for its open blooms, long flowering season and genuine value to pollinators. From mid-summer through to the first frosts, it produces rich crimson-red flowers with a clearly exposed golden centre, held above distinctive dark foliage.

Unlike double or decorative dahlias, the single, open form of ‘Bishop of Leicester’ allows bees, hoverflies and butterflies easy access to pollen and nectar. Its long season of bloom makes it one of the most useful non-native plants for extending forage availability well into late summer and autumn.

Why We’ve Chosen Dahlia ‘Bishop of Leicester’

• High Pollinator Value – Open-centred flowers make pollen and nectar easily accessible.

• Long Flowering Season – Blooms from July until frost, supporting insects over many months.

• Strong Visual Signal – Dark foliage contrasts with bright flowers, helping pollinators locate blooms.

• Low-Input & Productive – Flowers continuously with minimal intervention once established.

• Excellent Garden Performer – Reliable in borders, wildlife gardens and informal planting schemes.

Biodiversity-Led Growing Tips

Plant tubers in spring once the risk of frost has passed, in well-drained soil and full sun. Dahlias benefit from regular deadheading, which encourages more flowers and extends nectar availability for pollinators.

Leave plants flowering for as long as possible into autumn. Lifting tubers after the first frost and storing them overwinter allows the plant to return year after year, providing a reliable late-season food source.

Did you know?
Single-flowered dahlias are among the most valuable late-summer nectar plants for pollinators, often outperforming many traditional perennials in both duration and insect activity.

Product Details

• Pack Size: 1 tuber

• Flower Colour: Crimson red with golden centre

• Flowering Period: July – first frosts

• Mature Height: Approx. 90 cm

• Planting Time: Spring (after last frost)

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained

• Spacing: 45 – 60 cm apart

Please note: Do not ingest ornamental bulbs. May be harmful to pets and animals. We recommend wearing gloves when planting, as some bulbs can cause skin irritation.

A standout choice for wildlife-aware gardens, Dahlia ‘Bishop of Leicester’ delivers long-lasting summer colour and meaningful pollinator support at a time when it’s needed most.

Use a Dibber for planting bulbs.