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
'Colour Spectacle'
With its vivid orange flowers, Dahlia 'Colour Spectacle' makes a striking impression from the moment the first buds open. This magnificent semi-cactus variety produces large, fully double blooms formed from long, narrow petals that curve and twist as they radiate from the centre. Shades of tangerine, coral and deeper burnt orange give the flowers a wonderful sense of depth, particularly when the sunlight catches their sculptural shape. The effect is bold but beautifully natural, with each bloom taking on its own slightly different form. Reaching up to 25cm across, Dahlia 'Colour Spectacle' brings warmth and movement to summer borders, pairing particularly well with purple salvias, bronze foliage and softly waving ornamental grasses.
Growing to approximately 100–110cm tall, Dahlia 'Colour Spectacle' combines impressive flower size with a strong, upright habit and fresh green foliage. Its spectacular blooms appear from July until the first autumn frosts, providing months of vibrant colour when the garden is at its most abundant. Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil, and provide support for the stems as those magnificent flowers develop. Regular deadheading will encourage a fresh succession of blooms throughout the season. Dahlia 'Colour Spectacle' is also an excellent choice for cutting, with its elegantly twisted petals bringing texture and warmth to generous summer bouquets. Whether admired in the border or displayed in a vase, Dahlia 'Colour Spectacle' certainly delivers on its colourful name.
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 'Colour Spectacle'
- Flower colour
- Orange
- 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
Top-size tubers
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