Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon'

Strawberry sweets aren't usually served on stems, but Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon' comes delightfully close. Broad outer petals open in warm coral and salmon-pink, framing a playful ring of smaller, curled petals in lilac and lavender-pink. At the heart sits a bright lemon-yellow disc, giving each flower a wonderfully cheerful, almost confectionery appearance. This distinctive arrangement is known as a collarette, and unlike the densely packed flowers of many dahlias, it leaves the centre accessible to visiting bees and other pollinating insects. Measuring around 8–10cm across, the flowers rise above fresh green foliage on sturdy, well-branched stems. Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon' brings a lovely mixture of colour, texture and movement to summer borders, with fresh blooms appearing well into autumn. Give Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon' a place among purple salvias, airy grasses and soft cream flowers, where its unusual lavender collar can really be appreciated. Its bushy growth also makes it a charming choice for a generous patio container, particularly somewhere near a seating area. Reaching around 90cm in height, Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon' enjoys a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. Water during dry weather, especially in pots, and remove faded flowers to encourage fresh blooms until the first frosts. Start tubers under cover in spring or plant outside once frost has passed, lifting them for frost-free winter storage in colder UK gardens. Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon' is a sweet little pleasure that the bees can enjoy, too.