Dahlia Peony Flowering 'Bishop of Oxford'

Overview

Dahlia 'Bishop of Oxford': The Radiant Copper Jewel of the Border

Dahlia 'Bishop of Oxford' is a sophisticated and award-winning garden aristocrat, celebrated for its dramatic, high-contrast aesthetic and its luminous, copper-orange blooms. As a premier member of the famous "Bishop" series, it produces exquisite, peony-style flowers with a single or semi-double layer of silken, burnt-orange petals. These glowing embers surround a prominent, dark-chocolate central disc, creating a striking "bullseye" effect. What truly sets this variety apart, however, is its breathtaking ebony foliage—deep, mahogany-purple leaves that provide a moody, velvet-like backdrop, making the fiery orange blossoms appear to hover and glow with an almost supernatural intensity.

Key Features

• Sultry Copper-Orange Brilliance: The flowers possess a warm, metallic sheen that captures the light beautifully, especially during the "golden hour" of late afternoon.
• Dramatic Dark Foliage: The near-black, filigree leaves offer an incredible architectural contrast, making this dahlia a standout foliage plant even before the first flower buds open.
• A Pollinator’s Sanctuary: Because of its open, peony-flowered centre, 'Bishop of Oxford' is exceptionally accessible to bees and butterflies. It is a must-have for any wildlife-conscious gardener looking to support local biodiversity.
• Neat and Self-Supporting: Unlike larger dinnerplate varieties, the Bishop stays at a manageable height with sturdy, dark stems that rarely require heavy staking, making it perfect for the middle of a herbaceous border.

Gardener's Tip

"To maintain that incredible, deep mahogany-black colour in the leaves, Dahlia 'Bishop of Oxford' needs plenty of direct sunlight. If planted in too much shade, the foliage can "green up" and lose its dramatic edge. For a professional designer look, pair it with lime-green ornamental grasses or silver-leaved plants like Stachys byzantina. The contrast between the dark purple stems and the bright companion plants will make the copper-orange flowers look like flickering flames in your garden!

Specifications