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
'Striped Ambition'
There’s a wonderfully artistic quality to Dahlia 'Striped Ambition', a striking fimbriata cactus dahlia with slender, twisting petals and an unpredictable splash of colour. Each flower is a little different, combining soft lilac-pink with expressive streaks of deep purple, violet and magenta. Some blooms are delicately striped, while others develop richer, more dramatic markings, giving the whole plant a lively, almost hand-painted appearance. The star-shaped flowers of Dahlia 'Striped Ambition' measure around 10cm across, their narrow, curling petals creating a sense of movement even on the stillest summer day. With such intricate detail and character, this is a variety that rewards a closer look.
Growing to approximately 90–120cm tall, Dahlia 'Striped Ambition' produces its distinctive flowers on long, sturdy stems from midsummer until the first frosts. Its upright habit brings height and texture to sunny borders, where the playful flower shapes look particularly lovely alongside ornamental grasses, softer pastel shades and more simply shaped dahlias. Dahlia 'Striped Ambition' is equally appealing as a cut flower, adding unexpected colour combinations and a touch of individuality to summer bouquets. Plant the tubers in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position, and pick flowers regularly or remove spent blooms to encourage a generous succession of new ones. For gardeners who appreciate something a little unconventional, Dahlia 'Striped Ambition' offers a delightful combination of elegance, energy and beautifully unpredictable colour.
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 'Striped Ambition'
- Flower colour
- Pink, purple, lilac, violet
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 1-1.2m
- 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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