Discover the magical world of the dahlia! There’s no summer plant more versatile than the dahlia. Not only do they come in a vast array of shapes and colours, but they also keep the garden vibrant longer than any other flower. From early summer to late autumn, new blooms transform the garden into a sea of colour, capturing the warmth of the past summer in every petal.

A Rich Colour Palette

The colour diversity of dahlias ranges from the pastel hues of Alfred Grille to the regal purple of Downham Royal. The magnificent Fleurel, with its large white decorative blooms – a true “dinnerplate” dahlia – pairs beautifully with the deep red pompom dahlia, Nescio, creating a striking display. Thanks to this broad colour spectrum, dahlias complement any garden style, from traditional English or romantic gardens to more modern designs, always adding long-lasting, vibrant colour. Walking through a field of different dahlia varieties is a delight as the bright, vivid colours bring warmth and joy, even on cloudy summer days or during warm autumn afternoons.

A Variety of Bloom Shapes

Dahlias also showcase a wide range of bloom shapes. Dinnerplate dahlias such as X Factor and Frost Nip can grow up to a metre tall and produce large, decorative flowers with a diameter of around 25 to 30 cm. Pompom dahlias, by contrast, feature smaller, perfectly round flowers in vivid colours. Peony-flowered dahlias, like the intensely red Bishop of Llandaff, have dark foliage and small, single blooms. Collar dahlias are uniquely characterised by a contrasting “collar” around the ring of petals. In short, dahlias stand out for their magical diversity in both form and colour.

Dahlias and Biodiversity

Dahlias are also beneficial to biodiversity in gardens and parks, especially single-flowered varieties that attract butterflies and provide a valuable source of nectar for bees throughout the summer.

Enjoy a garden full of magical, colourful dahlias this summer. With their accessible and vibrant colour palette, dahlias are easy to pair and look equally stunning in pots. Be sure to get informed about the characteristics of different varieties, paying close attention to bloom diameter, flowering height, and planting time.

Tips for the Dahlia Lovers

Planting Dahlias: Choose well-draining soil and plant them in a sunny spot where they can fully enjoy the sunlight.

Caring for Dahlias: Keep dahlias well-watered, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering. Dahlias continuously produce new blooms, so it’s wise to regularly cut flowers for vases or bouquets. Then let the sun do the rest!

Storing Dahlias: Dahlias are not winter-hardy and don’t tolerate frost. Dig up the tubers once winter approaches and the first (night) frost arrives. Store the dried and cleaned tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free place. Plant them again in spring to enjoy them through the next summer and autumn.

Extra Tip: Dahlia tubers can be divided and planted in different spots to spread their beauty throughout the garden.