A tall, tuberous-rooted perennial to about 1.5m, with mid-green, glossy leaves. Large, double, red-orange flowers are produced from late summer until the frosts
Position
Soil Types
Max Height
1-1.5 metres
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
A tall, tuberous-rooted perennial to about 1.5m, with mid-green, glossy leaves. Large, double, red-orange flowers are produced from late summer until the frosts
1-1.5 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. Cut down once damaged by frost. Tubers may survive outdoors in mild areas with a good covering of mulch. Otherwise 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
Aphids, leaf miners, glasshouse red spider mite and slugs are common pests. Earwigs sometimes damage blooms. Capsid bug and caterpillars are occasional pests
Powdery mildews can be damaging 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
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