About
Producing semi-cactus flowers with petals that roll inward partway along their length, 10-20cm across. An appealing perennial reaching approximately 90-130cm, with mid-green, divided leaves. Blooms from mid-summer through to the first frosts of autumn.
About the genus
Dahlia are tuberous rooted perennials with pinnately divided leaves and showy flowerheads, double in many cultivars, in summer and autumn
Plant details
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 the growing tip to encourage bushy growth. Stake taller varieties. In cold areas, lift tubers after the first frost and store in a cool, dry, frost-free place over winter
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back to near ground level in autumn, once frost has damaged foliage, 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 resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bugs, caterpillars, earwigs, leaf miners, glasshouse red spider mite and slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions, grey moulds in wet weather, and dahlia mosaic virus. Tubers may rot in storage if not kept dry