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
'Dolce Eva'
Think of the warm glow just before sunset, translated into petals. Dahlia 'Dolce Eva' blends apricot, peach-pink and creamy highlights in generously filled decorative blooms. Some petals look almost salmon in warmer light, while others soften to pale blush towards their edges. The effect is inviting rather than loud, with an easy, naturally varied finish that means neighbouring blooms needn't look exactly alike. Each flower reaches around 10–15cm across, its many overlapping petals forming a pleasingly rounded shape. Tall enough to mingle with summer perennials but not so tall as to disappear at the back, Dahlia 'Dolce Eva' typically reaches 100–120cm and flowers from midsummer until the autumn frosts.
Let Dahlia 'Dolce Eva' weave its warm shades among purple salvias, bronze fennel or pale cream dahlias for a border that feels relaxed and full of texture. Those generous blooms also lend themselves beautifully to cutting, particularly in arrangements with a soft, peachy palette. Choose a sunny, sheltered position with rich, well-drained soil, and put support in place while the stems are growing. During dry spells, water thoroughly, then keep picking or removing faded flowers to encourage fresh buds. Tubers can be started under cover in spring and planted outside once frost is past; lift them for frost-free storage in colder UK gardens. With Dahlia 'Dolce Eva', summer seems to linger a little longer.
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 'Dolce Eva'
- Flower colour
- Cream, pink, yellow
- 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
Farmer Gracy exclusive
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Top-size tubers
-30%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
Regular price
£45.50
Sale price
£65.00
-30%
Allium azureum
Regular price
£2.73
Sale price
£3.90
-30%
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Regular price
£3.43
Sale price
£4.90
-30%
Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
Regular price
£4.34
Sale price
£6.20
-30%
Tulip 'Queen of Night'
Regular price
£4.83
Sale price
£6.90
-30%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£5.25
Sale price
£7.50
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
