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.
'Fire and Ice Lemon'
Dahlia 'Fire and Ice Lemon' is a variety that refuses to blend quietly into the background. Free-flowering and wonderfully expressive, it produces crisp white petals animated by strokes of lemon yellow, occasionally tipping into a cool, almost lime-green glow. Each bloom feels freshly painted, with a bold bi-colour contrast that catches the light and draws the eye from surprising distances. Dahlia 'Fire and Ice Lemon' brings a lively, contemporary edge to borders, where it partners beautifully with grasses and soft pastels, yet it is equally striking when grown in generous containers close to the house. The flowers arrive in abundance and with admirable consistency, making this variety a dependable performer through the height of summer.
In the cutting garden, Dahlia 'Fire and Ice Lemon' truly comes into its own. Long, strong stems make harvesting easy, while the blooms hold well in water, adding freshness and energy to indoor arrangements. This is a dahlia that rewards regular picking, responding with an ever-increasing display as the season progresses. Whether planted en masse for impact or used as a single accent among softer companions, Dahlia 'Fire and Ice Lemon' offers both drama and versatility. As with all dahlias, a sunny position and rich, well-drained soil will ensure the best results, allowing Dahlia 'Fire and Ice Lemon' to flower generously until the first frosts gently bring the show to a close.
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 'Fire and Ice Lemon'
- Flower colour
- White, yellow, green
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 1.2-1.5m
- 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
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.