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.
'Leila Savanna Rose'
Dahlia 'Leila Savanna Rose' is a variety that rewards a closer look, revealing a striking play of colour within every bloom. The ribbon-like petals open in a soft pinkish lilac-purple at the centre, each one crisply outlined with a fine, dark lilac-purple line along the edges, creating a beautifully defined, almost hand-painted effect. The contrast is elegant rather than loud, giving Dahlia 'Leila Savanna Rose' a refined presence that sits comfortably in both contemporary and romantic planting schemes. As the flowers mature, the colouring deepens subtly, ensuring visual interest from first opening through to full display. Set against fresh green foliage, Dahlia 'Leila Savanna Rose' brings a sense of poise and thoughtful detail to the summer border.
Reliable and free-flowering from midsummer until the first frosts, Dahlia 'Leila Savanna Rose' performs best in a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Its balanced, bushy habit makes it easy to weave through mixed borders, while the distinctive blooms also shine when cut, where their intricate markings can be fully appreciated. Regular deadheading keeps Dahlia 'Leila Savanna Rose' producing fresh flowers well into autumn, extending its season of interest. Pair it with softer pastels or deep purples to echo its colouring, or allow Dahlia 'Leila Savanna Rose' to stand alone as a gentle focal point. Lift and store the tubers over winter, and this quietly dramatic dahlia will return each year with renewed elegance.
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 'Leila Savanna Rose'
- Flower colour
- Purple, lilac, 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
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.