Dahlia imperialis 'Alba'
"White bell tree dahlia"
Orders placed before 1 March 2025
You can expect your order in February/March 2025
Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
You can expect your order in March/April 2025
Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days
UK orders over £50
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UK orders under £50
£4.99
Northern Ireland orders under £50
£5.99
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Description
If you're looking for something structural, exotic and exciting to grow, you must give Dahlia imperialis 'Alba' a try. Unlike the familiar blousy dahlias which are commonly seen flowering through summer, this tree-like version (also known as bell tree dahlia) is truly something else. Native to Mexico and Central America, it's better adapted to cope with heat. In a warm climate, this white variety can grow up to 8m tall with woody, bamboo-like stems! In a cooler climate, Dahlia imperialis 'Alba' typically reaches a less daunting size of 2.5m and will die back for winter, as with most dahlias. This architectural plant has fantastic foliage through the summer season and, if it's a long, hot summer, it'll treat you to an extra special, late-season display of starry white blooms in October.
Dahlia imperialis 'Alba' is not frost hardy so you will need to plant the tubers in frost-free conditions in spring and plant outside after risk of frost has passed. After the first frost in autumn, it'll be necessary lift and store the tubers for winter in areas where winter temperatures fall below zero. This white bell tree dahlia needs a moist but well-drained soil and a sunny spot in the garden. You can increase its chances of flowering in autumn by growing it in a conservatory or heated greenhouse in spring, which will get it off to a speedy start!
Key features
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Comes back every year
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Packed in paper bags
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Low maintenance
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May need winter cover
Specs & details
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Botanical name
Dahlia imperialis 'Alba' (Sin)
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Flower colour
White
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Tuber size
1
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Established height
2.5-3m
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Established spread
1-1.2m
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Plant spacing
1 tuber per m2
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Leaf colour
Green
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Habit
Upright
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Life cycle
Perennial
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Hardiness
Half hardy
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Years to establish
1st year
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Sunlight
Full sun
Partial shade -
Position
Sheltered
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Suitable for
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens -
Soil acidity
Any
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Soil moisture
Free draining
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Soil type
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost -
Growing skill
Easy to grow
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Scented
No
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Pollinator-friendly
No
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Mouse resistant
No
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Rabbit resistant
No
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Deer resistant
No
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Toxicity
No report
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Planting
- Flowering
Useful information
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Dahlia imperialis 'Alba' is half hardy, which means that it should be kept frost free over winter and during spring.
For best results, start your dahlia tubers in temporary pots in a
greenhouse in March or April to grow on to transplant outside later in the season—this will give them a head start.Alternatively, you can plant the Dahlia imperialis 'Alba' tubers directly outside in May.
Plant with the stump of last year's stem facing upwards. The tuber should be fully submerged but with the stump just below the soil surface.
Plant one tuber per 8-10" pot if growing on during spring. When
planting outside, space the tubers around 30-50cm apart from each other. Compact varieties don’t need so much space.Water-in thoroughly after planting and continue to water regularly once in full growth, but only when the soil appears to be nearly dry.
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Orders placed before 1 March 2025
You can expect your order in Feb/March 2025Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
You can expect your order in April 2025Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days
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