With their explosion of colour and fuss-free nature, Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’ has become a staple for British gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance blooms. This semi-dwarf mix offers a kaleidoscope of semi-double flowers in fiery oranges, sunny yellows, rich reds, and blushing pinks, transforming patios, borders, and containers into summer-long spectacles. Perfect for UK climates, this variety combines the charm of cottage gardens with the practicality of modern, space-conscious planting.
Key Takeaways
Before we dive into the topic of Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’, let’s take a look at the key takeaways of this article:
- Compact Size: Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’ is a semi-dwarf variety, making it ideal for small gardens, patios, and container planting.
- Vibrant Blooms: This cultivar offers a mix of bright colours, including oranges, yellows, reds, and pinks, adding a lively touch to any space.
- Extended Flowering Period: It blooms from mid-summer through autumn, providing continuous colour during these seasons.
- Low Maintenance: Known for being easy to grow, ‘Patio Choice’ requires minimal care, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The open-centred flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.
- Award-Winning: Many dahlia cultivars, including compact varieties, have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating their excellent performance in gardens.
Why Choose Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’ for Your Garden?
1. Space-Saving Brilliance
Ideal for smaller gardens, balconies, or container displays, Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’ grows to a modest 60cm (24″) tall with a 45cm (18″) spread. Its compact, self-supporting stems eliminate the need for staking – a rare trait in dahlias that makes it perfect for time-poor gardeners.
2. Long-Lasting Colour
From midsummer until the first frosts, this dahlia delivers non-stop blooms. The semi-double flowers (5-10cm wide) attract pollinators while providing endless cut flowers for vases.
3. Versatile Styling
Whether dotting through cottage-style borders, complementing exotic planting schemes, or brightening urban patios, this mix adapts effortlessly. Try pairing with salvias, ornamental grasses, or lavender for contrasting textures.
4. Edible Delights
As with all dahlias, all parts of Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’ are edible. Petals add colour to salads, while tubers (harvested after flowering) offer flavours ranging from water chestnut to spicy apple – a unique culinary bonus!
Growing Dahlias in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
Planting Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’ Tubers
When to Plant:
- Outdoors: Mid-April to May, after frost risk passes.
- Indoors: Start tubers in pots undercover (greenhouse or sunny windowsill) in March for earlier blooms.
Soil Preparation:
- Choose a sunny spot (6+ hours daily).
- Enrich soil with well-rotted compost or manure for drainage and fertility.
- Plant tubers 15cm deep, 45cm apart.
Pro Tip: Label planting sites – dahlias can be slow to sprout!
Caring for Dahlias Through the Seasons
Watering & Feeding:
- Water deeply 2-3x weekly during dry spells. Avoid waterlogging.
- Feed fortnightly with high-potassium fertiliser (e.g., tomato feed) from June to September.
Pinching & Deadheading:
- Pinch: When plants reach 30cm, remove the central growing tip to encourage bushier growth.
- Deadhead: Regularly remove spent blooms to prolong flowering.
Pest Control:
- Slugs: Use organic pellets or copper tape for young plants.
- Earwigs: Set upturned pots filled with straw as traps.
Overwintering Dahlia Tubers
While Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’ is often treated as an annual, tubers can be saved:
- After First Frost: Cut stems to 15cm, gently lift tubers with a fork.
- Dry: Let tubers dry indoors for 1-2 days.
- Store: Pack in peat-free compost or sand in a frost-free shed (5-7°C).
Designing with Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’
Container Displays
Pair with trailing lobelia or silver-leaved Helichrysum in 30cm+ pots. Use peat-free compost mixed with grit for drainage.
Cottage Garden Borders
Interplant with foxgloves, cosmos, and sweet peas for a romantic, informal look.
Modern Schemes
Contrast bold dahlia blooms with architectural plants like phormium or sedum.
Culinary Uses of Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’
Petals
- Sprinkle on salads or desserts for colour.
- Crystallise with egg white and sugar for cake decorations.
Tubers
- Roast like root vegetables.
- Thinly slice for stir-fries (similar to water chestnut).
Note: Always taste-test small amounts first, as flavours vary with soil conditions.
FAQs: Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’
Q: Can I grow this dahlia in partial shade?
A: While possible, full sun ensures maximum blooms.
Q: Are these plants deer-resistant?
A: Dahlias are not deer-proof, but their strong scent often deters wildlife.
Q: When should I divide tubers?
A: Divide in spring before replanting, ensuring each section has an “eye” (growth node).
Final Thoughts
Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’ redefines what compact growers can achieve, offering months of dazzling colour with minimal effort. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, this variety’s resilience and versatility make it a standout choice for UK gardens. By following these planting and care tips, you’ll create a showstopping display that neighbours – and pollinators – will adore.
Ready to transform your patio? Share your Dahlia ‘Patio Choice’ journey using #PatioDahliaBloom on social media!
For more information, please either visit the RHS website on the topic of “How to Grow Dahlias“, or my own article “How to overwinter Dahlias“.
