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
'Strawberry Bon Bon'
Strawberry sweets aren't usually served on stems, but Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon' comes delightfully close. Broad outer petals open in warm coral and salmon-pink, framing a playful ring of smaller, curled petals in lilac and lavender-pink. At the heart sits a bright lemon-yellow disc, giving each flower a wonderfully cheerful, almost confectionery appearance. This distinctive arrangement is known as a collarette, and unlike the densely packed flowers of many dahlias, it leaves the centre accessible to visiting bees and other pollinating insects. Measuring around 8–10cm across, the flowers rise above fresh green foliage on sturdy, well-branched stems. Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon' brings a lovely mixture of colour, texture and movement to summer borders, with fresh blooms appearing well into autumn.
Give Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon' a place among purple salvias, airy grasses and soft cream flowers, where its unusual lavender collar can really be appreciated. Its bushy growth also makes it a charming choice for a generous patio container, particularly somewhere near a seating area. Reaching around 90cm in height, Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon' enjoys a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. Water during dry weather, especially in pots, and remove faded flowers to encourage fresh blooms until the first frosts. Start tubers under cover in spring or plant outside once frost has passed, lifting them for frost-free winter storage in colder UK gardens. Dahlia 'Strawberry Bon Bon' is a sweet little pleasure that the bees can enjoy, too.
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 'Strawberry Bon Bon'
- Flower colour
- Pink, salmon
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- 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
Good for cutting
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Top-size tubers
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