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
'Bodacious'
Subtlety is not on the agenda for Dahlia 'Bodacious'. Its enormous, dinnerplate-sized flowers are a blaze of orange-red, with bright yellow edges and undersides that flicker into view as the petals twist and curl. Rather than forming a perfectly ordered rosette, the broad, irregularly arranged petals give each bloom a lively, almost flame-like appearance. Some flowers are more crimson, while others reveal generous streaks of gold, so no two seem quite the same. Reaching up to 28 cm across in favourable conditions, Dahlia 'Bodacious' has the scale to hold its own among towering late-summer perennials. Pair it with deep burgundy foliage, copper-coloured grasses or rich purple flowers for a planting scheme with plenty of energy.
Expect Dahlia 'Bodacious' to make its presence felt at the back of a sunny border, where its tall, leafy stems can reach around 1–1.5m. Those magnificent flower heads are heavy, so place sturdy supports early in the season and choose a sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil. From midsummer into autumn, regular deadheading encourages another succession of richly coloured blooms. For a dramatic arrangement, cut Dahlia 'Bodacious' when the flowers are fully open and combine them with simple greenery, allowing their extraordinary colouring to take centre stage. The changing play of red and yellow becomes even more fascinating when admired up close. Few dahlias wear their name quite so convincingly: Dahlia 'Bodacious' is bold, exuberant and impossible to overlook.
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 'Bodacious'
- Flower colour
- Red, yellow
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1.2m
- 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
- No
- 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 - 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
-40%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
Regular price
£39.00
Sale price
£65.00
-40%
Allium azureum
Regular price
£2.34
Sale price
£3.90
-40%
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Regular price
£2.94
Sale price
£4.90
-40%
Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
Regular price
£3.72
Sale price
£6.20
-40%
Tulip 'Queen of Night'
Regular price
£4.14
Sale price
£6.90
-40%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£4.50
Sale price
£7.50
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
