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.
'Paso Doble Dancer'
Dahlia 'Paso Doble Dancer' brings a sense of rhythm and warmth to the summer garden, its richly coloured blooms moving effortlessly between bronze, peach, orange and pink, with a gentle hint of yellow glowing at the centre. The large decorative flowers are held confidently above dark green, serrated foliage, creating a handsome contrast that feels both sumptuous and controlled. As a strong, clump-forming tuberous perennial, Dahlia 'Paso Doble Dancer' quickly develops into a bushy, well-balanced plant, flowering generously from midsummer right through to the first frosts. It performs beautifully in borders where colour is welcomed late into the season, and the blooms are equally striking when cut, bringing a warm, painterly quality indoors.
In the garden, Dahlia 'Paso Doble Dancer' is wonderfully accommodating, thriving in fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny position where its colours can fully develop. Regular deadheading encourages a steady supply of fresh blooms, ensuring Dahlia 'Paso Doble Dancer' remains lively and floriferous for months on end. Its robust habit makes it ideal for planting en masse or weaving through mixed borders alongside grasses and late-flowering perennials. Even as the season wanes, Dahlia 'Paso Doble Dancer' refuses to fade quietly, offering one last flourish before autumn arrives. Lift and store the tubers over winter in colder areas, and this dependable performer will return year after year with renewed vigour.
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 'Paso Doble Dancer'
- Flower colour
- Peach, orange, salmon, pink, yellow
- 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
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.