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
'Melody Dora'
Warm as a summer sunset, Dahlia 'Melody Dora' brings a delightful blend of apricot, pink and golden yellow to the garden. Its beautifully formed decorative flowers feature layers of pointed petals, opening in soft peachy shades with deeper salmon-pink tips and a luminous yellow centre. A little flash of raspberry pink towards the heart adds an unexpected touch of contrast, giving each bloom a wonderfully lively character. Measuring around 12 cm across, the flowers are generously proportioned for such a compact plant, creating a colourful display without overwhelming their surroundings. Dahlia 'Melody Dora' looks particularly lovely alongside pale pink cosmos, cream-coloured flowers and soft ornamental grasses, where its warm colouring can really shine.
Part of the charming Melody series, Dahlia 'Melody Dora' has been specially bred for its bushy, well-branched habit and remarkable flowering performance. Reaching approximately 60 cm tall, it's an excellent choice for the front of borders, patio pots and smaller gardens. The sturdy stems carry an abundance of blooms above fresh green foliage, creating a wonderfully generous display from midsummer until the first frosts. Give Dahlia 'Melody Dora' a sunny position in fertile, well-drained soil, and remove spent flowers regularly to keep the colour coming. Its cheerful blooms are equally delightful in small summer bouquets, particularly when combined with softer pastel shades. Compact, colourful and full of personality, Dahlia 'Melody Dora' proves that a modest-sized plant can bring an extraordinary amount of joy.
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 'Melody Dora'
- Flower colour
- Peach, yellow, pink
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 30-50cm
- Established spread
- 20-30cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Bronze
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance 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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