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
'Ice Crystal'
An ice crystal that thrives in the heat of summer: Dahlia 'Ice Crystal' is full of delightful contradictions. Its generously filled flowers begin in pale lemon yellow, gradually softening to creamy ivory-white as they mature, with a lingering hint of warmth towards the centre. What makes them truly distinctive is their extraordinary texture. Each narrow, partly rolled petal finishes in a finely divided, almost feathery tip, creating a frosted, slightly tousled effect that looks intricate without feeling fussy. Classified as a fimbriated dahlia, Dahlia 'Ice Crystal' produces beautifully textured blooms that catch the light from every angle. The flowers typically measure around 10–15cm across and rise above fresh green foliage on upright stems. With Dahlia 'Ice Crystal', even the palest colours have plenty of personality.
Let Dahlia 'Ice Crystal' bring a little freshness to a sunny border, where its delicate colouring makes a lovely contrast with deep purple salvias, dusky pink cosmos and airy ornamental grasses. Its long, sturdy stems are particularly useful for cutting, and those finely fringed petals bring wonderful texture to summer bouquets. Growing to around 90–110cm, Dahlia 'Ice Crystal' appreciates a sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil and support for its flowering stems. Water during dry spells and remove faded blooms regularly to encourage fresh flowers from midsummer until the first autumn frosts. Start the tubers under cover in spring or plant outside once frost has passed, lifting them for frost-free winter storage in colder UK gardens. A flower with all the delicate beauty of frost, but thankfully none of the chill.
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 'Ice Crystal'
- Flower colour
- White, 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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