PLANT PORN: DAHLIAS

Ahhh dahlias. The late summer saviour that soothes us into Autumn with their abundance of colours, shapes, sizes and textures. These big bold beauties are the way to go if you're looking to make a statement.

BACK TO THE ROOTS

Dahlias hail from the hills and mountains of Mexico and were taken to Europe where they were an instant success, with over 1,400 varieties soon cultivated. 500 years later we're still just as obsessed, with thousands more varieties now to fill our borders, patios and vases with.

RATING

Nice & easy to grow, pop your tubers in a pot once frosts pass in Spring and watch the magic happen (just watch out for slugs!). As a cut flower, they take a little more care - if you've got dahlias in an arrangement, be sure to change your water regularly as they leach toxins that can kill your other blooms. Bit of a diva I guess.