Sarah Raven picks seven of her favourite dahlias

By Molly Blair

Published: Thursday, 15 September 2022 at 12:00 am

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.