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
'Elliot'
There is something quietly enchanting about Dahlia 'Elliot', a variety that feels as though it has been lifted straight from a painter’s palette. Its generously sized blooms open in the softest blush pink, gently deepening towards the outer petals before fading into a creamy, butter-soft centre. The effect is luminous rather than showy, making 'Elliot' an easy companion for both romantic cottage borders and more considered cutting gardens. Held on strong, upright stems, each flower seems to float above the foliage, offering weeks of dependable beauty from midsummer well into autumn. Dahlia 'Elliot' has a wonderfully calm presence in the garden, pairing effortlessly with silvery grasses, airy cosmos or deeper-toned dahlias for contrast, while always maintaining its own refined charm.
As a cut flower, Dahlia 'Elliot' is nothing short of a dream. The blooms are long-lasting in water and arrange beautifully, whether gathered loosely into armfuls or styled with intention in a simple jug. There is a pleasing uniformity to 'Elliot' without any sense of stiffness, each flower subtly unique yet unmistakably part of the same family. In the garden, 'Elliot' is reliable and generous, producing an abundance of blooms when cut regularly, encouraging even more flowers in return. Grow Dahlia 'Elliot' in rich, well-drained soil and a sunny position, and it will reward you with a season of soft colour and quietly confident elegance that feels timeless rather than trendy.
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 'Elliot'
- Flower colour
- Blush pink, cream
- 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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