About
A tuberous-rooted perennial producing single, velvety, dark red flowers with golden centres, up to 6cm in diameter; flowers are said to have a slight scent of chocolate.
About the genus
Dahlia are tuberous rooted perennials with pinnately divided leaves and showy flowerheads, double in many cultivars, in summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationPlant tubers 10-15cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, in full sun. Cut back to near ground level in mid-autumn. In mild areas, and on well-drained soils, leave the tubers in the ground and protect with a deep, organic mulch. In colder areas, or on heavy soils, lift and store the tubers and replant in late spring after all danger of frost has passed. See dahlia cultivation and our video How to plant dahlia tubers and care tips
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings taken in spring from shoots from stored tubers or divide the tubers ensuring each division has a viable bud
Pest resistanceAphids, capsid bug, earwigs, caterpillars, slugs and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistancePowdery mildews, mosaic virus, tomato spotted wilt virus, grey moulds and virus diseases