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
'Purple Flame'
Not all flames are red and orange. Dahlia 'Purple Flame' burns brightly in magnificent shades of magenta-purple, made all the more vivid by its exceptionally dark foliage. Its beautifully layered decorative flowers have broad, gently cupped petals in rich violet-pink, gathering into a tightly curled centre of deep wine-purple. As the blooms unfold, the contrast between their brighter outer petals and darker heart becomes particularly striking. Measuring around 12cm across, the flowers have a pleasingly full, rounded shape, with just enough informality to give each one its own character. Even the stems are dark purple, rising above bronze-purple leaves that can appear almost black in certain light. Dahlia 'Purple Flame' brings a wonderful combination of colour and texture to the summer garden.
For a particularly beautiful contrast, pair Dahlia 'Purple Flame' with lime-green foliage, silver-leaved plants or soft pink cosmos. Its dark leaves also make a lovely backdrop for neighbouring flowers, giving the entire planting a little extra depth. Growing to around 100–120cm, Dahlia 'Purple Flame' enjoys a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil and support for its upright stems. The richly coloured flowers are excellent for cutting, bringing a sophisticated touch to bouquets, especially alongside cream or pale lavender blooms. Water during dry spells and keep picking or removing faded flowers to encourage a generous display from midsummer until the first autumn frosts. With Dahlia 'Purple Flame', the foliage is every bit as captivating as the flowers.
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 'Purple Flame'
- Flower colour
- Purple
- 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
-40%
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Regular price
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Sale price
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-40%
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£2.34
Sale price
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-40%
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Regular price
£2.94
Sale price
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-40%
Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
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Sale price
£6.20
-40%
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£4.14
Sale price
£6.90
-40%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£4.50
Sale price
£7.50
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