About

Nicola Jane' Attains 1m, with double, light pink flowerheads, the florets shading to white at the base.

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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bedding
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter, in full sun. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushy plants and stake - see staking perennials. Water as needed in dry periods. Lift and store tubers in autumn to replant, or use as a source of cuttings, in spring. See dahlia cultivation and our video How to plant dahlia tubers and care tips
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back to near ground level in the autumn, before lifting and storing for the winter
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, leaf miners, glasshouse red spider mite and slugs are common pests. Earwigs sometimes damage blooms. Capsid bug and caterpillars are occasional pests
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions and grey moulds and other fungal rots in wet weather. Fungal rots can also damage stored tubers. A virus may cause stunting, leaf markings and distortion