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Colourful dahlias in full bloom in a sunny late summer gardenBulbs & tubers

Dahlia pinnata

Garden Dahlia

dahliasummer bloomcut flowertuberous plantcolourful

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.

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Before
After

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

Pink-purple coneflower with orange-brown cone in a sunny borderPerennials

Echinacea 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.

Full sunLow60–120 cm
Purple-blue flower spikes of woodland sage in a sunny borderPerennials

Salvia 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.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Yellow yarrow with flat flower clusters in a sunny borderPerennials

Achillea 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.

Full sunLow50–80 cm