Diva dahlias steal the show

They’re the star turn of late summer, but if your blooms are looking lacklustre, Hannah Stephenson has advice on how to perk them up

Diva dahlia shows take place throughout late summer, these spectacular plants continue to dazzle, their gorgeous blooms creating a riot of colour. But what if your own specimens are looking forlorn, with damaged leaves and petals or stilted growth? We spoke to the experts to find out how to tackle these problems. The Cornish Dahlia Society, which last weekend staged its 39th annual show at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and Katie Kingett, productive garden supervisor at Heligan, offered us the tips below.