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
'Dragon Ball'
Despite its name, Dahlia 'Dragon Ball' isn't a ball dahlia at all. Instead, it produces wonderfully cheerful, open-faced flowers in rich coral-orange, with a deeper reddish glow towards the centre and delicate creamy tips. The dark, velvety centre creates a striking contrast, particularly against the plant's exceptionally deep bronze-purple foliage. Each flower measures around 6cm across, with a simple ring of broad petals that leaves its centre accessible to visiting bees and butterflies. Part of the Dark Angel series, Dahlia 'Dragon Ball' has a naturally compact, bushy habit, reaching just 25–40cm tall. It's a lovely little plant with an unexpectedly dramatic colour combination, bringing plenty of warmth to the garden without taking up much space.
The rich, dark foliage makes Dahlia 'Dragon Ball' particularly appealing in pots and containers, where its colourful flowers can be admired up close. Try it alongside silvery leaves, lime-green foliage or soft purple flowers for a combination that feels fresh and beautifully balanced. Dahlia 'Dragon Ball' is equally charming along the front of a sunny border, where several plants together create a lively display from midsummer into autumn. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil, water regularly during dry spells and remove faded flowers to encourage fresh buds. Its compact growth means it generally needs little support, making it wonderfully straightforward to enjoy. Start tubers under cover in spring or plant outside once frost has passed, lifting them for frost-free winter storage in colder UK gardens. Small but full of character, Dahlia 'Dragon Ball' brings a playful touch to the summer garden.
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 'Dragon Ball'
- Flower colour
- Red, orange, peach, yellow
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Bronze
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- 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
Wildlife 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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