Dahlia imperialis 'Alba'
Dahlia imperialis 'Alba'
Dahlia imperialis 'Alba'
Dahlia imperialis 'Alba'
Dahlia imperialis 'Alba'

Dahlia imperialis 'Alba'

"White bell tree dahlia"

Dahlia imperialis 'Alba'

1 tuber — £4.83

Order today, receive in May
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Delivery schedule

Orders placed before 1 March 2024
You can expect your order in March 2024

Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2024
You can expect your order in March/April 2024

Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2024
You can expect your order within 10 business days

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UK orders over £50
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UK orders under £50
£4.99

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£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

  • Comes back every year

  • Packed in paper bags

  • Low maintenance

  • May need winter cover

Specs & details

  • Botanical name

    Dahlia imperialis 'Alba' (Sin)

  • Flower colour

    White

  • Tuber size

    1

  • Established height

    2.5-3m

  • Established spread

    1-1.2m

  • Plant spacing

    1 tuber per m2

  • Leaf colour

    Green

  • Habit

    Upright

  • Life cycle

    Perennial

  • Hardiness

    Half hardy

  • Years to establish

    1st year

  • Sunlight

    Full sun
    Partial shade

  • Position

    Sheltered

  • Suitable for

    Borders
    Cottage gardens
    Low maintenance gardens

  • Soil acidity

    Any

  • Soil moisture

    Free draining

  • Soil type

    Loam
    Sandy
    Multipurpose compost
    Loam-based compost

  • Growing skill

    Easy to grow

  • Scented

    No

  • Pollinator-friendly

    No

  • Mouse resistant

    No

  • Rabbit resistant

    No

  • Deer resistant

    No

  • Toxicity

    No report

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
  • Planting
  • Flowering

Useful information

    • 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.

    Read all planting & care instructions

  • Orders placed before 1 March 2024
    You can expect your order in March 2024

    Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2024
    You can expect your order in April 2024

    Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2024
    You can expect your order within 10 business days

Dahlias in 60 seconds

Dahlias like full sun and a free-draining soil, and should be lifted and stored in winter, or at least protected with peat or straw. Dahlia flowers can range from 5 to 25cm in diameter and those magnificent larger-flowering dahlias might appreciate a little extra support with canes!

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