Top 5 Dahlia Flowers by Sally Moore

Dahlia flowers enthusiast and grower Sally Moore grows over 80 varieties of dahlias on her small plot in rural Somerset where she also specialises in tubers, runs workshops, and creates spectacular Autumn displays.

“If there is one plant I cannot be without, it is the dahlia. Can you think of another genus that flowers so very freely, for so very long?” says Sally  “It’s almost impossible to narrow down my favourites - how do you begin to pick just a handful? - so I thought I would share my top five types of dahlias that I will be cutting and bringing indoors this week.”

This selection individually are beautiful, with very different appearances from each other, but all together they combine to create a hot explosion of colour and mouth-watering glory.

Jowey Mirella

Jowey Mirella dahlia flower is a ball dahlia in the deepest maroon, almost black. The utter simplicity of the flower is beguiling – it’s a brilliant example of the Fibonacci sequence at play in your own garden. This variety grows strongly on long straight stems and lasts extremely well in the vase. Once at mature size, you’ll occasionally spot a solitary bee taking a well-earned nap in one of the petals.

Flower Specifications

• Hardy & Fast Growing Perennial (will need protection in Winter in colder or exposed areas)

• UK Hardiness: H1

• Plant Height: up to 1m tall

• Soil Type: Broad Tolerance - Clay, Loam, Sand 

• Flowers Size: 9cm

• Blooming Period: Summer (mid-late) to Fall 

• Good for: Cut Flowers, Beds & Borders 
• Garden Styles: Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Cottage Garden

Penhill Watermelon

Penhill Watermelon dahlia flower falls into the category of a dinner plate dahlia, bred to achieve staggering diameter of flower head. If cajoled correctly (a topic for another post!) the flower heads can reach nearly a foot across and easily eclipse an adult human head! Beautiful in every stage from a newly-opening bud to a triumphant fanfare of a fully mature flower, the colours ripple like quiet flames in shades of peaches and pink.

Flower Specifications

• Hardy & Fast Growing Perennial (will need protection in Winter in colder or exposed areas)

• UK Hardiness: H3

• Plant Height: up to 1.2m tall

• Soil Type: Acid, alkaline, Neutral

• Flowers Size: up to 25 cm

• Blooming Period: Summer (mid-late) to Fall 

• Good for: Cut Flowers 
• Garden Styles: Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Cottage Garden

Perch Hill

Perch Hill dahlia flower is a cracking decorative dahlia that simply gets on with the job in hand. Long stems, good in the vase, she pairs beautifully with so many other varieties.

Flower Specifications

•  Fast Growing & Tender Perennial (do not resist well to frost, will need indoor protection over winter)

• UK Hardiness: H3

• Plant Height: up to 1.2m tall

• Soil Type: Broad tolerance - Clay, Loamy, Sandy

• Flowers Size: up to 8 cm

• Blooming Period: Summer (mid-late) to Fall 

• Good for: Cut Flowers, Container gardening  
• Garden Styles: Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Cottage Garden

Myrtle’s Folly

Myrtle's Folly dahlia flower is a head-turner. Look at the detail on the ends of each petal; called fimbriation, this ragged effect lifts her into another realm. She is a firework of raspberry ripple shot through with orange juice. If she were a drink, she would certainly be a cocktail!

Flower Specifications

•  Fast Growing & Tender Perennial (do not resist well to frost, will need indoor protection over winter)

• UK Hardiness: H3

• Plant Height: up to 1.2m tall

• Soil Type: Broad tolerance - Clay, Loamy, Sandy

• Flowers Size: up to 6 cm

• Blooming Period: Summer (mid-late) to Fall 

• Good for: Cut Flowers, Container gardening  
• Garden Styles: Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Cottage Garden

Labyrinth

Labyrith dahlia flower is one of my must-haves every year. Hard to beat that combination of longer, petals that twist and turn in hot shades of apricot, pink and salmon. The plant has green foliage in a darker shade than typical which contrast beautifully with the flowers.

Flower Specifications

•  Fast Growing & Tender Perennial (do not resist well to frost, will need indoor protection over winter)

• UK Hardiness: H3

• Plant Height: up to 0.9m tall

• Soil Type: Broad tolerance - Clay, Loamy, Sandy

• Flowers Size: up to 6 cm

• Blooming Period: Summer (mid-late) to Fall 

• Good for: Cut Flowers, Container gardening  
• Garden Styles: Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Cottage Garden

For more information about Sally Moore and Plants from BA9 you can head on over to their Facebook page, where you can see which varieties are being grown, hints and tips, get advice or inspiration and you can share gardening insights with others through their Facebook group. 

With all these types of dahlia flowers, you can make a real explosion of colours in your garden. If you are looking for more inspiration for Dahlias in the later autumn seasons see - Dahlias For Autumn. 

 Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dahlias Annuals or Perennials?

Dahlias are one of the most beautiful and popular flowering plants in the UK. They are perennials tender plants, which means they will flower each year at the same time for many years if looked after well.

When Do Dahlias Flower?

Native to Mexico and Central America, they were cultivated by the Aztecs centuries ago and have been popular ever since. With a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours, they are ideal for beds, borders, and containers, and they can reach heights of up to 8 feet. They will flower from summer to the first frost of the season, making them a great choice for gardeners who want long-lasting blooms. To ensure a longer flowering period, they should be deadheaded regularly. Dahlias also make excellent cut flowers and can be used to add a pop of colour to any room.

How to Propagate Dahlia Flowers?

If you're looking to propagate your dahlias, you can divide the tubers and replant them in the spring. This is a great way to create more dahlias and give your garden a boost. However, it's important to remember that dahlias will need to be dug up and stored during the winter months to protect them from the cold. Dahlia tubers should be divided every three to five years to ensure vigorous growth.

When to Sow Dahlia Seeds?

When it comes to planting dahlias, timing is key. To ensure your dahlias are in full bloom in the summer months, you should sow the seeds in spring - between February and March - when the soil temperature is around 8°C (46°F). Dahlia seed can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors in a seed tray.

If you choose to sow the seed indoors, fill a seed tray with multi-purpose compost and lightly dampen the mix. Then sprinkle the seed lightly over the compost and cover with a thin layer of compost, before watering gently. Place the seed tray in a warm, light place, such as a windowsill or the top of a radiator, then keep the compost moist and check for germination after 10-14 days.

Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or into the ground, spacing them at least 30cm (12in) apart. With the right preparation, you can look forward to a beautiful display of dahlias in the summer months.

When to Plant Dahlia Tubers?

In the UK, the best time to plant Dahlia Tubers is mid-spring, once the soil temperature is consistently above 10°C (50°F) and all risk of frost has passed. When planting Dahlia Tubers, ensure that the tuber’s ‘eye’ is facing upwards and place them in a sunny, sheltered area of the garden approximately 10-15 cm deep and 30-45 cm apart.

If you want to have earlier flowers, it is possible to start Dahlia Tubers in pots indoors. Use a potting soil mix and ensure the pot has adequate drainage before planting the Tubers once the plants have around 5-7 true leaves. Water the Tubers thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist. Fertilize the Dahlia Tubers every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. With a bit of extra care and attention, you can enjoy beautiful Dahlia blooms in your garden throughout the summer months.

Where to Plant Dahlias?

You should look for an area in your garden that is sunny and has well-drained soil. Ensure the tubers are buried around 10-15cm deep and spaced around 30-45cm apart. If you’d prefer to keep your dahlias in containers, use a deep pot with good drainage. Mulch around the plants to help keep the soil moist and to deter weeds and remember to stake the plants to keep them upright and prevent wind damage.

Dahlia Flower Care Tips

Keep Deadheading

Deadheading is an essential part of keeping your dahlias healthy and ensuring a long flowering season throughout the year. Deadheading should be done when the flowers start to fade and die, and the entire stem of the flower should be removed, not just the petals. This will encourage more flowers to be produced and should be done every few weeks for the best results. By taking the time to deadhead your dahlias regularly, you will be rewarded with a long and beautiful flowering season.

Store Tubers Indoors in a Dry Place

If you choose to dig up the dahlia tubers before the first frost, we recommend you keep them in a cool, dry place until the spring. When storing tubers indoors, always ensure that they are kept in a cool, dry place such as a garage or basement, and make sure that they are kept in a cardboard box or paper bag away from direct sunlight. It is also important to check the tubers periodically to ensure that they are not drying out or becoming mouldy.

Leave Tubers Deep In the Ground

If your dahlias are planted outdoor, leave the tubers in the ground after the growing season has finished. This will ensure that the plants are not harmed in the winter, and that they will survive until the next season. Tubers should be left in the ground until the frost has become too cold for the plants to survive. Leaving the tubers in the ground also provides insulation for the roots of the plants, which helps them to stay healthy and strong. Remember to keep the soil moist during the winter months, as this will help the tubers to stay healthy and provide a good environment for the dahlias to grow in when the season starts again.