Dahlias are half hardy, so keep them protected from frost. Pot tubers individually between February and April and grow them on in a greenhouse or bright indoor position. Alternatively, start them outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
Out of season
New
Dahlia
'April Heather'
Apricot, blush pink and the palest lemon yellow come together beautifully in Dahlia 'April Heather'. Its delicate collarette flowers have a single ring of broad outer petals, softly washed with rosy pink over a warm, creamy-yellow base. Inside sits a charming little collar of shorter, pale yellow petals tipped with white, surrounding a golden centre that visiting bees can easily explore. The effect is wonderfully light and intricate, almost like a flower wearing a second, smaller flower around its heart. Measuring approximately 10–12cm across, the blooms are carried on long stems above fresh green foliage, creating a graceful display that moves gently with the breeze. Dahlia 'April Heather' has earned an RHS Award of Garden Merit, and its beautifully understated colouring makes it easy to understand why.
Rather than planting Dahlia 'April Heather' among equally bold flowers, try giving its subtle shades room to breathe. It looks lovely alongside pale purple salvias, airy ornamental grasses and creamy cosmos, where its open flower form brings a natural sense of movement. Growing to around 100–125cm, Dahlia 'April Heather' appreciates a sunny, sheltered position in fertile, well-drained soil, with support for its slender stems. The flowers are also excellent for cutting, bringing a relaxed, freshly gathered look to summer bouquets. Water during dry spells and remove faded blooms regularly to encourage fresh flowers until the first frosts. Start tubers under cover in spring or plant outside once frost has passed, lifting them for frost-free winter storage in colder UK gardens. A beautiful choice for a garden that celebrates the softer side of summer.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
For planting out later, use a snug-fitting 15–20cm pot filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. For a patio display, plant directly into a container at least 30cm wide and keep it somewhere bright and frost free until it can move outdoors.
Position the old stem facing upwards, with the tubers covered and the stem stump level with the compost. Tubers naturally vary in size and shape and may arrive without visible buds. Bent necks are usually fine if they remain firmly attached, so do not remove them.
Water after planting, then allow the compost to become almost dry before watering again while the tuber remains dormant. Once shoots and leaves are growing strongly, water more regularly, always allowing excess water to drain away.
Plant out after the last frost, once the plant is around 20–30cm tall and its roots hold the compost together. Space dahlias approximately 30–50cm apart in borders, allowing less room for compact varieties. Water thoroughly after planting.
Water regularly during active growth and deadhead or cut flowers often. Dahlias usually bloom from July or August until the first frost, although later-planted tubers may start in late August or September. In autumn, lift, clean and dry the tubers, then store them somewhere cool, dry, airy and frost free.
- Botanical name
- Dahlia 'April Heather'
- Flower colour
- Cream, peach, pink
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower Gardens
Wildlife gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Top-size tubers
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