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
'Hakuna Matata'
Warm coral from a distance, altogether more complicated up close, Dahlia 'Hakuna Matata' is full of delightful colour surprises. Its generously filled decorative flowers open in glowing shades of peach and golden orange, with rose-red and purple-pink brushstrokes appearing along the petal edges and reverses. As the blooms mature, their vivid colours gradually soften, so the same plant can carry several different combinations at once. The broad, pointed petals overlap in loose, slightly irregular layers, creating a wonderfully expressive flower shape. Reaching an impressive 15–20cm across, the blooms sit proudly above fresh green foliage on tall, upright stems. Dahlia 'Hakuna Matata' has a naturally exuberant character, with just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting.
Give Dahlia 'Hakuna Matata' a sunny, sheltered position where its changing colours can be enjoyed throughout summer and autumn. Its warm apricot tones look particularly lovely alongside deep purple salvias, coppery grasses and softer pink dahlias, while those generous blooms bring plenty of character to cut flower arrangements. Growing to around 100–120cm, Dahlia 'Hakuna Matata' appreciates fertile, well-drained soil and sturdy support for its substantial flowerheads. Water during dry spells and remove fading flowers regularly to encourage fresh buds until the first frosts. Start tubers under cover in spring or plant outside once frost has passed, lifting them for frost-free storage in colder UK gardens. With Dahlia 'Hakuna Matata', every new flower brings another little surprise.
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 'Hakuna Matata'
- Flower colour
- Coral, pink, red
- 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
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