About
A tuberous perennial that bears red-petalled flowers in summer and early autumn. The inner collar of petals are tinged white around a central, yellow eye. Foliage is dark green. Height to around 1.2m.
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 typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityAll parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested and may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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 if 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 or mulching in milder locations
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 bug, earwigs, caterpillars and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, tubers may rot in store