Bulbs & tubersDahlia pinnata
Garden Dahlia
The dahlia is the queen of the late summer garden, with an overwhelming variety of flower forms and colours. From July until the first frost, this tuberous plant tirelessly produces blooms in red, pink, yellow, or white — from small pompons to dinner-plate-sized flowers. Dahlias make excellent cut flowers lasting weeks in a vase.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 60–150 cm
- Spread
- 40–75 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 8–11
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- red, pink, yellow, white
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant tubers after the last frost (May) in full sun in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Set tubers 10-15 cm deep with the eye facing up. Water regularly and generously, especially during dry periods. Feed every two weeks with a potassium-rich fertiliser during flowering. In cold regions, lift tubers after the first frost and store frost-free.
Pruning tips
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Pinch out young plants at about 30 cm height to promote branching. Stake tall cultivars with a sturdy support. After the first frost, cut stems back to 15 cm before lifting tubers.
Good companions
PerennialsEchinacea purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.
PerennialsSalvia nemorosa
Woodland Sage
Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.
PerennialsAchillea millefolium
Yarrow
Yarrow is a robust native perennial with finely divided, fern-like foliage and flat flower clusters in yellow, white, or pink. The plant blooms prolifically from June to September, attracting countless pollinators. Yarrow is remarkably drought-resistant and fits almost any garden style, from prairie borders to wildflower meadows.