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
'Bonesta'
A little unpredictability is part of the pleasure of Dahlia 'Bonesta'. Its softly layered flowers open in creamy white to the palest pink, scattered with brushstrokes of deeper rose and vivid raspberry. Some blooms wear only a few delicate streaks; others are much more generously painted, and an occasional flower may turn almost entirely pink. There's no need to choose a favourite, because Dahlia 'Bonesta' provides the whole collection on one plant. The broad petals give its fully double blooms a gently flattened, almost waterlily-like appearance, while a warm cream centre adds a soft glow as they unfold. Around 10cm across, the flowers are carried above green foliage on tall stems, creating a wonderfully informal display from midsummer onwards.
Dahlia 'Bonesta' has the sort of colouring that makes arranging flowers a pleasure. Its pale base blends beautifully with ivory, blush and lavender shades, while those lively pink streaks stop a bouquet from looking too carefully matched. Plant it among airy grasses or purple salvias in a sunny, sheltered border, and provide support for stems that can reach around 100–110cm. Fertile, well-drained soil and watering during dry spells will help keep Dahlia 'Bonesta' growing well, while regular picking or deadheading encourages fresh flowers into autumn. Tubers can be started under cover in spring, then planted outside once the last frosts are past; lift and store them frost-free in colder gardens. For a flower that refuses to repeat itself exactly, Dahlia 'Bonesta' is surprisingly easy to fall for.
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 'Bonesta'
- Flower colour
- Cream, pink
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 50-70m
- 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
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