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.
'Rosy Wings'
A flutter of soft pink petals gives Dahlia 'Rosy Wings' its wonderfully delicate appearance. Its charming collarette flowers have a single ring of broad, gently rounded petals in lavender-pink, surrounding a smaller collar of pale pink petals that looks almost like a second flower. At the heart sits a generous golden-yellow centre, providing a cheerful contrast and an inviting landing place for visiting bees. The colours are beautifully subtle, with some petals showing deeper rosy markings and others fading towards the palest blush. Measuring around 7–10cm across, the flowers have a light, almost cosmos-like character, particularly when they move in a summer breeze. Dahlia 'Rosy Wings' produces an abundance of these graceful blooms, bringing a lovely sense of movement and natural beauty to the garden.
Let Dahlia 'Rosy Wings' mingle with airy ornamental grasses, lavender-blue salvias and soft white cosmos for a wonderfully relaxed summer border. Its delicate flowers are equally appealing for cutting, lending a freshly gathered, meadow-like quality to small bouquets. Growing to around 80–120cm, Dahlia 'Rosy Wings' appreciates a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil and support where needed. Pinching out young growing tips encourages bushier growth, while regular picking and deadheading help keep new flowers appearing from midsummer until the first frosts. Plant several together for a generous cloud of pink, or weave them between other late-flowering perennials. With its delicate colouring and cheerful golden centres, Dahlia 'Rosy Wings' brings a little lightness to the summer garden.
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 'Rosy Wings'
- Flower colour
- Pink
- 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
- Yes
- 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
Wildlife 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.