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
'Sheer Heaven'
A pale blush on one petal, a flicker of lemon yellow on the next: Dahlia 'Sheer Heaven' seems to gather the gentlest colours of a summer morning. Its beautifully rounded, formal decorative flowers open in soft peach-pink, with creamy yellow at the base of each petal and occasional lilac-pink touches near the tips. Broad petals overlap in tidy, generous layers, yet the colouring keeps the effect light and airy rather than formal. As the blooms develop, the balance of pink and yellow shifts subtly, so even neighbouring flowers have their own character. Reaching around 12–14cm across, they face upwards on long, strong stems, making Dahlia 'Sheer Heaven' a particularly lovely choice for gardeners who enjoy flowers with understated beauty.
For a border that feels relaxed and full of late-summer colour, plant Dahlia 'Sheer Heaven' among pale mauve salvias, cream cosmos and fine ornamental grasses. The softly shaded blooms are especially beautiful for cutting, lending themselves to loose garden bouquets and more carefully arranged displays alike. Growing to around 100–150cm, Dahlia 'Sheer Heaven' appreciates a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil and support for its taller stems. Pinch out young shoots to encourage branching, then pick regularly or remove fading flowers to keep the buds coming from midsummer until the first frosts. A few stems in a simple vase are enough to show why Dahlia 'Sheer Heaven' has become such a favourite with flower arrangers.
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 'Sheer Heaven'
- Flower colour
- Pink, cream, peach, 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
Good for cutting
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Top-size tubers
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