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
'Davina Michelle'
Dahlia 'Davina Michelle' is a striking, medium-sized decorative dahlia that brings a sense of quiet drama to the summer garden. Each generously formed bloom opens in a sumptuous reddish-purple, its depth softened by petal tips that fade delicately to blush pink and near-white. This refined two-tone effect gives Dahlia 'Davina Michelle' an almost hand-painted quality, catching the light beautifully as the flowers mature. Set against fresh green foliage, the colour combination feels both contemporary and timeless, making it equally at home in richly planted borders or more considered, design-led schemes. Flowering freely from mid-summer onwards, Dahlia 'Davina Michelle' quickly establishes itself as a focal point, offering a long season of interest right through to the first autumn frosts.
As a cutting dahlia, Dahlia 'Davina Michelle' is exceptional. The blooms are carried on long, sturdy stems that hold well in water, making them ideal for elegant bouquets and sculptural floral arrangements. Florists and home gardeners alike appreciate the dependable form and sophisticated colouring, which pairs effortlessly with both soft pastels and deeper jewel tones. Best planted in a sunny, sheltered position, 'Davina Michelle' rewards good soil and regular picking with an abundance of flowers. This is a relatively new and limited-availability variety, so it offers the added pleasure of growing something a little special. Whether enjoyed outdoors or brought inside, Dahlia 'Davina Michelle' delivers beauty, versatility and a sense of modern romance throughout the season.
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 'Davina Michelle'
- Flower colour
- Purple, red, pink
- 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
- 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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