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
'Pink Magic'
Some dahlias settle on a single shade of pink. Dahlia 'Pink Magic' has other ideas. Its beautifully layered flowers unfold in soft blush and lavender-pink, each petal traced with lively cerise streaks that look as though they've been painted on by hand. A buttery yellow glow peeps through near the centre, while deeper pink on the petal reverses adds another lovely surprise as the blooms open. The markings are never quite identical, so even a handful of flowers creates a wonderfully varied display. Around 10–12cm across, the decorative blooms sit above fresh green foliage on strong, sometimes purplish stems. Dahlia 'Pink Magic' manages to be both playful and rather elegant, with a colour combination that's surprisingly easy to love.
For a particularly lovely summer combination, plant Dahlia 'Pink Magic' alongside white cosmos, purple salvias and soft pink roses, allowing its beautifully streaked petals to bring the colours together. Growing to around 80–100cm, it's well suited to the middle of a sunny border or a generous container, provided the soil is fertile and well drained. Its strong stems and wonderfully patterned flowers also make it a natural choice for cutting, with each bouquet offering a slightly different mixture of pinks. Water regularly during dry spells, give the stems some support if needed and remove fading blooms to encourage fresh flowers throughout summer and into autumn. Whether enjoyed in the garden or gathered for a favourite vase, Dahlia 'Pink Magic' has a rather delightful way of making ordinary pink seem anything but ordinary.
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 'Pink Magic'
- Flower colour
- Pink, cream
- 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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