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
'Invitation'
Terracotta, old rose and a little burgundy give Dahlia 'Invitation' an unusually sophisticated colour palette. Its beautifully layered decorative flowers open in warm salmon-pink and muted brick-red, with a glowing orange undertone that becomes more apparent towards the centre. The petals have a darker reverse, sometimes almost wine-red, creating unexpected flashes of colour as the blooms unfold. At the heart, tightly gathered petals deepen to rich burgundy, giving each flower a lovely sense of depth. Measuring approximately 10–12cm across, the blooms have a gently rounded, slightly informal appearance that feels beautifully at home in a late-summer garden. Dark green foliage and deep-toned stems provide an attractive contrast to those wonderfully earthy shades. Dahlia 'Invitation' is a particularly appealing choice for gardeners who appreciate colour with a little subtlety.
Pair Dahlia 'Invitation' with dusty pink cosmos, coppery ornamental grasses and deep plum salvias for a planting combination that feels warm and naturally balanced. Its unusual colouring is equally beautiful in a vase, where the darker petal reverses bring extra interest to loosely gathered arrangements. Growing to around 90–100cm, Dahlia 'Invitation' appreciates a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil and support for its flowering stems. Water during dry periods and remove faded blooms regularly to encourage fresh flowers from midsummer until autumn 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 'Invitation', even the simplest summer bouquet can feel rather special.
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 'Invitation'
- Flower colour
- Terracotta, 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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