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.
'Denmark'
There is something wonderfully cheerful about a flower that wears its colours with such confidence. Dahlia 'Denmark' produces charming collarette-style blooms in rich crimson-red, with delicate flashes of white drawing the eye towards the centre. Its broad, rounded outer petals form a neat, open flower, while a smaller ring of contrasting petals surrounds the dark central disc, giving each bloom its distinctive two-tiered appearance. The effect is beautifully balanced, combining the simplicity of a daisy with the intricate details that make collarette dahlias so appealing. Held on slender stems above fresh green foliage, the flowers bring a light, natural quality to summer borders. Dahlia 'Denmark' is particularly lovely planted in informal groups, where those striking little faces appear among neighbouring flowers.
Try Dahlia 'Denmark' alongside soft pink cosmos, purple salvias or delicate ornamental grasses, where its rich red colouring makes an attractive contrast. Its open, accessible flower centres may also provide a welcome feeding opportunity for visiting pollinators. Give Dahlia 'Denmark' a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil, and water thoroughly during dry spells. Regular deadheading encourages fresh flowers from midsummer until the first autumn frosts, while the slender stems can be supported if necessary. Start the tubers under cover in spring or plant outdoors once frost has passed, lifting them for winter storage somewhere frost-free in colder UK gardens. With its distinctive petal markings and naturally graceful appearance, Dahlia 'Denmark' is a lovely choice for anyone who appreciates flowers with character rather than perfection.
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 'Denmark'
- Flower colour
- Red, white
- 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
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- 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
Expert care from
choice to delivery
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