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
'Maria Strella'
From soft apricot to rich coral-red, Dahlia 'Maria Strella' brings a beautiful progression of colour to every flower. Its broad, gently cupped outer petals open in warm peach and salmon-orange, surrounding a tightly gathered centre of deeper coral and raspberry-red. The contrast is particularly striking as the flowers unfold, revealing layer upon layer of neatly arranged petals. Some blooms lean towards glowing orange, while others develop a richer pinkish-red colouring, giving the plant a naturally varied appearance. Measuring around 10–15cm across, the rounded decorative flowers have a wonderfully full shape, with enough detail to reward a closer look. Dahlia 'Maria Strella' carries its colourful blooms above fresh green foliage, creating a generous display from midsummer well into autumn.
Those warm, blended shades make Dahlia 'Maria Strella' a lovely companion for purple salvias, bronze grasses and creamy dahlias, bringing a little depth to softer planting combinations. Its beautifully shaped flowers are equally appealing in a vase, where the contrasting coral centres add interest to loosely gathered summer bouquets. Growing to approximately 90–120cm, Dahlia 'Maria Strella' enjoys a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil and a little support for its upright stems. Water thoroughly during dry spells and pick flowers regularly to encourage fresh buds throughout the season. For a particularly lovely effect, plant several together and allow their different shades of orange and coral to mingle. Dahlia 'Maria Strella' brings warmth and colour to the garden in a beautifully natural way.
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 'Maria Strella'
- Flower colour
- Red, 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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