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
Dahlia
'Waltzing Mathilda'
Watch your garden come alive as Dahlia 'Waltzing Mathilda' sashays onto the scene for a long summer and autumn show of energetic fun. Like the spinning sails of a toy windmill, there’s a distinct curve to each of the elegantly pointed petals which makes each flower look as though it could easily start whirling with a gust of wind behind them. Of course the blooms of Dahlia 'Waltzing Mathilda' don’t actually revolve, but they do seem to have a jive vibe which snapshots the atmosphere of a spontaneous dance!
It’s impossible not to love the exotic colour of Dahlia 'Waltzing Mathilda' flowers. Peach and coral petals are so effortlessly pleasing, especially set against its built-in backdrop of dark bronze foliage. Bees and other pollinators find these flowers attractive too and they’ll be drawn into those easily accessible, nectar-rich open centres. If you want to add a pretty contrast, try planting Dahlia 'Waltzing Mathilda' among bright purple flowers, such as Verbena bonariensis or Salvia 'Caradonna'.
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 'Waltzing Mathilda'
- Flower colour
- Red, salmon
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Bronze
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- 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
-20%
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