Dahlias may be garden classics, but that doesn’t mean they never change. Fresh varieties with different shapes and colors are developed every year.
New dahlia cultivars may be flashy, but they’re just as easy to care for as traditional dahlias. They’re hardy in Zones 8 to 11. In those zones, the underground roots, called tubers, can stay in the soil over winter. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and planting dahlias.
Outside of Zones 8 to 11, overwinter dahlia tubers indoors in dry sawdust. Cure them in a warm location out of sunlight for a few days and store in a place between 40 and 45 degrees. The tubers may die if it’s too cold or sprout if it’s too warm.
Editor’s note: The tuberous roots ship well and can be planted in spring. Visit the American Dahlia Society at dahlia.org and Swan Island Dahlias for more new plants and ideas.
Hollyhill Peachy Keen Dahlia
As a cactus-type dahlia, Peachy Keen boasts full double flowers with narrow petals that are a blend of dark pink and yellow. It grows 6 1/2 feet tall and produces loads of blooms until frost. As a consistent grower, each tuber produces plants with nearly identical height and habit, making your garden look even more uniform.
Why we love it: Enjoy the soft tropical colors in its spiky petals and its easy-growing nature.
Redwood Honeybee Dahlia
The 5-inch blooms of Redwood Honeybee are a blend of yellow and pinkish orange. It starts blooming around eight to 10 weeks after planting and continues to flower until a killing frost if deadheaded. This cultivar stands tall in the garden, with stalks growing up to 6 feet tall.
Why we love it: The plant is always decorated by half a dozen blooms at a time, which make excellent cut flowers.
