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1.Dahlia Bishop — Overview
Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' is a distinguished perennial herbaceous plant, a captivating cultivar within the Dahlia genus, primarily recognized for its dramatic ornamental appeal. This hybrid, specifically Dahlia ×hortensis, is believed to be derived from a cross between Dahlia coccinea and Dahlia pinnata, both species native to the high-altitude regions of Mexico and Central America. Morphologically, it stands out with its striking dark bronze to almost black, deeply cut foliage, providing a vivid contrast to its brilliant scarlet-red flowers.
The plant typically reaches a height of 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) with a spread of about 45 cm (18 inches), featuring sturdy, branching stems that support its prolific blooms. Its flowers, which appear from early summer through autumn, are classified as peony-flowered dahlias, characterized by a single to semi-double row of broad outer petals surrounding a visible central disc, making nectar and pollen readily accessible to pollinators like bees and butterflies. First bred by Fred Treseder in Cardiff in 1924 and honored with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1928, 'Bishop of Llandaff' thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil, making it a popular choice for borders, mixed beds, and as a cut flower.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Dahlia Bishop of Llandaff
1.1 Wikipedia — Dahlia Bishop of Llandaff
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Dahlia Bishop should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Dahlia Bishop — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Striking dark bronze</strong> — purple to almost black foliage, creating a dramatic visual contrast.
- ✓ <strong>Vibrant, single to semi</strong> — double scarlet-red flowers that bloom profusely from summer to autumn.
- ✓ <strong>Classified as a peony</strong> — flowered dahlia, offering an open form that attracts pollinators.
- ✓ <strong>A prestigious recipient</strong> — A prestigious recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (1928).
- ✓ <strong>Tuberous perennial, requiring overwintering in frost</strong> — free conditions in colder climates.
- ✓ <strong>Grows to a substantial height of 1</strong> — 1.5 meters (3-5 feet), making it an excellent statement plant.
- ✓ <strong>Ideal for use</strong> — Ideal for use in garden borders, mixed perennial beds, and as a captivating cut flower.
- ✓ <strong>An heirloom variety</strong> — An heirloom variety with a rich history, bred by Fred Treseder in 1924.
- ✓ <strong>Relatively low maintenance</strong> — Relatively low maintenance once established, thriving in sunny, well-drained locations.
- ✓ <strong>Its unique color</strong> — Its unique color palette makes it a favorite among gardeners and floral designers.
1.2.Dahlia Bishop — Quick Summary
- ✓ Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' is a renowned ornamental perennial with dark foliage and fiery red flowers.
- ✓ It is a hybrid cultivar, *Dahlia ×hortensis*, celebrated for its visual contrast and RHS Award of Garden Merit.
- ✓ Native to Mexico, the broader *Dahlia* genus has tubers rich in inulin, traditionally used as food.
- ✓ While the genus shows potential for prebiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits, specific medicinal research on 'Bishop of Llandaff' is limited.
- ✓ Requires full sun, well-drained soil, and tubers must be lifted and stored indoors in frost-prone climates.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators and is a versatile plant for garden borders and cut flower arrangements.
2.Dahlia Bishop — Scientific Identity
3.Dahlia Bishop — Quick Facts
4.Dahlia Bishop — Appearance & Identification
5.Dahlia Bishop — Native Habitat
6.Dahlia Bishop — Water Requirements
- Cultivating Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' requires specific attention to ensure its vibrant display and healthy growth.
- ✓ Site Selection — Choose a location with full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours daily) and protection from strong winds.
- ✓ Soil Requirements — Plant in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
- ✓ Planting — Plant tubers in spring after the last frost, placing them 6-8 inches deep with the 'eye' facing upwards, spaced 1-3 feet apart.
- ✓ Watering — Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells and the flowering period, but avoid waterlogging.
- ✓ Fertilization — Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season to promote strong growth and abundant blooms.
- ✓ Support — Due to its height, staking or other forms of support may be necessary to prevent stems from breaking, particularly when laden with flowers.
- ✓ Deadheading — Regularly remove spent flowers (deadhead) to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season and maintain plant vigor.
- ✓ Overwintering — In frost-prone regions (USDA Zones 7 and below), tubers must be lifted from the ground after the first frost, cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry, frost-free place until the following spring.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 15, 2026
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