Large, layered blooms that build through late summer
Decorative dahlias
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Decorative dahlias
Decorative dahlias are defined by their full, double flowers, built from broad petals arranged in overlapping layers around the centre. The group covers an unusually wide range of sizes and colours, from compact varieties suited to pots and the front of borders to large-flowered dinnerplate dahlias whose blooms can reach an impressive scale. This makes decorative dahlias one of the most versatile groups for shaping a summer border, whether you are working with softer tonal combinations, stronger contrasts or a few substantial flowers placed where their form can be fully appreciated.
Plant decorative dahlia tubers in spring after the risk of frost has passed, choosing a sunny position in fertile, well-drained soil. As the plants gather height, taller varieties and large dinnerplate dahlias benefit from support, particularly once the flower heads begin to develop. Regular deadheading and cutting encourages more buds to form, while the strong stems and layered blooms make many decorative varieties particularly useful in a cutting garden.
The display becomes more established as summer moves on. Early growth builds the framework, then successive buds open into the rounded, layered flowers that give this group its character. Repeat a favourite variety through a border for rhythm, combine different flower sizes for depth or grow several decorative dahlia varieties together so the contrast between smaller blooms and oversized dinnerplate forms becomes part of the planting. In colder UK gardens, lift and store the tubers frost free over winter, ready to return to the garden in spring.
