A compact, bushy, clump-forming, tuberous perennial with dark green serrated leaves. Rounded, pale yellow flowers, bronze-orange underneath, have slightly curled petals at the edges and appear on sturdy, upright stems in summer, through until the first frosts of autumn. Good for cutting, exhibiting or in a flower border
1.5-2.5 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 division has a viable bud
Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back to near ground level in the autumn, before lifting and storing for the winter
May be susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, glasshouse red spider mite and slugs which are common pests. Earwigs sometimes damage blooms. Capsid bug and caterpillars are occasional pests
May be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions. In wet weather grey moulds and other fungal rots can be a problem. Fungal rots can also damage stored tubers. A virus may cause stunting, leaf markings and distortion