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
Few flowers capture the imagination quite like decorative dahlias. When gardeners picture a classic dahlia, it is almost always a decorative type they are imagining: tall, confident plants crowned with gloriously oversized blooms that make no apology for their presence. Dahlia 'Decorative Mix' brings together a carefully balanced selection of dinnerplate and decorative forms in a rich sweep of colours, from soft creams and blush tones to jewel-like reds, purples and sunset shades. Each plant rises with purpose through summer, producing those unmistakable full-petalled flowers that stop visitors mid-step and invite closer inspection. Whether cut for lavish indoor arrangements or admired in situ, this exclusive deccorative dahlia blend offers drama in its most joyful, generous form.
To truly appreciate the impact of Dahlia 'Decorative Mix', consider planting it en masse, where the blooms can converse with one another across an entire bed. A dedicated planting creates a painterly effect, almost as though the garden itself has been brushed with colour. That said, Dahlia 'Decorative Mix' is equally capable of holding its own in a busy mixed border, rising above neighbouring perennials with an air of quiet confidence. These are flowers that relish attention, rewarding a little care with weeks of exuberant display from mid-summer into autumn. Reliable, theatrical and endlessly photogenic, decorative dahlias earn their place as centrepieces in gardens that value beauty and abundance in equal measure.
Gardening tip:
"Chances are, your decorative dahlias will need stakes to support those gigantic blooms. You don’t want to damage your precious dahlia tubers, so plant the stakes at the same time as the bulbs."
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 collection 'Decorative Mixed'
- Flower colour
- Red, pink, orange, cream
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 1-1.2m
- 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
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Dahlia collection 'Decorative Mix' reviews
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