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
'Caat's Cloud'
A flower the size of a dinner plate ought to feel extravagant, yet Dahlia 'Caat's Cloud' manages to look remarkably gentle. Its enormous, loosely layered blooms combine soft ivory, the palest blush pink and delicate hints of primrose yellow towards the centre. Long, slightly twisting petals create a wonderfully airy, almost feathery appearance, with each flower unfolding in its own beautifully irregular way. Some blooms are almost creamy white, while others develop a more noticeable pink blush, particularly towards the petal tips. Reaching an impressive 20–25cm across, these magnificent informal decorative flowers have all the grandeur of a dinnerplate dahlia, softened by an exceptionally delicate colour palette. Dahlia 'Caat's Cloud' is quite a remarkable combination of size and subtlety.
Those enormous flowers make Dahlia 'Caat's Cloud' a natural favourite for cutting gardens, particularly if you enjoy arranging flowers in soft, romantic shades. Its long, sturdy stems are excellent for bouquets, while the gentle colouring looks beautiful alongside dusky pinks, pale apricots and ornamental grasses. Growing to around 120–150cm, Dahlia 'Caat's Cloud' appreciates a sunny, sheltered position in fertile, well-drained soil, with sturdy support for its generous blooms. Water during dry spells and remove faded flowers regularly to encourage fresh growth from midsummer until autumn frosts. Start the tubers under cover in spring, or plant outdoors once frost is no longer a risk, lifting them for frost-free winter storage in colder UK gardens. For all its impressive proportions, Dahlia 'Caat's Cloud' has a wonderfully soft touch.
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 'Caat's Cloud'
- Flower colour
- Cream, pink
- 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
Farmer Gracy exclusive
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
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