A tuberous-rooted perennial to about 90cm, with mid-green foliage. Small flowers 7cm across, produced from mid-summer until the first frosts, have a single row of broad, pointed, dark red outer petals, an inner collar of short, narrow, twisted, white petals, and a central, yellow disc
0.5-1 metres
0.5-1 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow 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
Propagate by softwood cuttings taken in spring from shoots from stored tubers, or Divide the tubers, ensuring each section has at least one viable bud
deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back to near ground level in autumn, once frost has damaged foliage, before lifting and storing for the winter
May be susceptible to aphids, capsid bugs, caterpillars, earwigs nibbling flowers, glasshouse red spider mite and slugs
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews in dry conditions, fungal rots including grey mould in wet conditions and in storage, and a virus that causes stunting, leaf markings and distortion
