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
'Bashful'
Dahlia 'Bashful' is a flower that knows exactly how to hold a gaze. At once dramatic and uplifting, it opens with a luminous, almost glowing heart that feels proudly presented, as though set upon a pedestal. From this bright centre radiates an intense ring of deep, velvety red-purple, rich and theatrical, before the petals soften and fade into an exquisite lavender-pink edge. The effect is captivating—bold yet refined, theatrical yet harmonious. In the garden, Dahlia 'Bashful' brings a painterly quality to borders and cutting beds alike, pairing beautifully with silvery foliage, dusky pinks, and soft creams. Its colouring shifts subtly with the light, making every glance feel slightly different, and all the more rewarding. Few dahlias balance contrast and cohesion quite as gracefully as Dahlia 'Bashful'.
Flowering generously from midsummer until the first frosts, Dahlia 'Bashful' is as dependable as it is enchanting. Long, sturdy stems make it ideal for cutting, where its layered tones add depth and drama to arrangements without overpowering their companions. In the border, it offers a gentle sense of movement, the petals catching evening light with a soft, almost luminous quality. Whether planted en masse or allowed to shine as a singular statement, Dahlia 'Bashful' brings emotion and elegance in equal measure. It is a variety that feels celebratory and expressive, yet never brash—proof that true impact often lies in thoughtful contrasts. Once grown, Dahlia 'Bashful' quickly becomes one of those plants you look for each morning, simply to admire how it has chosen to open that day.
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 'Bashful'
- Flower colour
- Purple, red, pink, lavender
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- 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
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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