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
Deluxe
Dahlia
'Ludwig Helfert'
A warm glow of orange is a welcome addition to summer and autumn plantings, and Dahlia 'Ludwig Helfert' does the job admirably. This unusual cactus dahlia creates a truly special effect as its outer petals open up and curve under, it’s like the sun bursting out of the clouds. The soft orange tone of Dahlia 'Ludwig Helfert' has touches of saffron yellow, wonderfully complimented by its darker plum-coloured stems and masses of healthy vibrant green foliage.
Dahlia 'Ludwig Helfert' is an excellent cut flower for bringing that burst of orange to a boho bouquet or a kick of jazz to something more muted. Those warm orange tones mix beautifully with darker foliage plants and complement yellows and reds for a really eye-catching display, or can light up a more subdued combination of grasses. At 20cm wide, these flowers have a huge impact. Cactus dahlias make great border plants too, their spikey forms adding extra interest and forming quite the focal point when massed together. Dahlia 'Ludwig Helfert' will thrive in a sunny spot with good, moisture-retentive soil and will be a scintillating presence in the garden through summer and autumn, flowering for weeks on end with regular deadheading.
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 'Ludwig Helfert'
- Flower colour
- Orange, peach
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- 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
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Top-size tubers
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