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Most Beautiful Dinner Plate Dahlias

Dinner Plate Dahlias, Dinnerplate Dahlias, Giant Dahlias

Dinner Plate Dahlias , Dinnerplate Dahlias, Giant Dahlias, Pink Dahlia Flowers, Dahlia Tubers, Dahlia Bulbs, Dahlia Flower, Dahlia Flowers, summer bulbs

For those who love “everything large,” say hello to giant “dinner plate” dahlias.

“Dinner Plate Dahlias” is a term used to describe dahlia varieties that produce exceptionally large, stunning blooms, often exceeding 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter—roughly the size of a dinner plate!

The petals of these dahlias are broad and overlapping, giving the appearance of a fully opened dinner plate. The flowers come in a wide range of colors, including vibrant shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, and purple, as stunning bicolor and multicolor combinations. Some varieties exhibit intricate patterns, such as watercolor-like splashes or contrasting edges.

These dahlias are a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts due to their impressive size, vibrant colors, and intricate petal patterns.

Dinner Plate Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America. They belong to the Asteraceae family and are tuberous, herbaceous perennials. These dahlias typically have tall stems that can reach heights of 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm), providing a striking vertical element in gardens and floral arrangements.

In addition to their impressive size, Dinner Plate Dahlias are cherished for their long blooming period, typically from midsummer to early fall. These dahlias thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Regular watering and occasional fertilization are necessary to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Dinner Plate Dahlias are versatile plants used in various garden settings. They are commonly featured in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens, where their large blooms make a dramatic statement. These dahlias also make exceptional cut flowers, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to floral arrangements.

It is worth noting that due to their size, Dinner Plate Dahlias may require support to prevent their heavy blooms from drooping or breaking. Staking or using plant supports can help maintain their upright growth and showcase the full beauty of the flowers.

Guide Information

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 10
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Genus Dahlia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage

Favorite Dinner Plate Dahlias

Keep on Cutting

  • The more you cut them, the more flowers you get. This makes dahlias twice as nice: pretty in a vase, pretty in the garden. A great big flower in a vase or floating in a shallow bowl makes the perfect eye-catcher.

Planting Dahlias

Planting these beauties may require some effort, but the glorious results are well worth it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant dahlias:

  • Choose the Right Spot: Dahlias love sun, so pick a location in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. They prefer well-drained soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
  • Planting Time: Dahlias are usually planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed.
  • Prepare the Tubers: Dahlia plants grow from tubers. Inspect your tubers before planting, cutting away any rotten parts. Each piece should have at least one “eye” or bud from which the plant will grow.
  • Dig a Hole: The hole should be about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep. Add some sand or perlite to improve drainage if your soil is heavy clay.
  • Plant the Tubers: Lay the tuber horizontally in the hole, with the eye facing upwards. Cover with soil, but do not water yet to avoid rot.
  • Stake Your Dahlias: Some larger varieties, like the dinner-plate dahlias, will need staking. It’s easier to put the stakes in at planting time to avoid damaging the tubers later.
  • Watering: Wait to water until you see green sprouts appearing. Dahlias prefer regular, deep watering for best bloom.
  • Care and Maintenance: Dahlias will benefit from a monthly feed of a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to a garden full of beautiful, blooming dahlias.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Best Dahlias For Containers and Low Borders
Best Dahlias For Cutting
Dahlias with Dark Foliage
Great Ornamental Grasses to Grow with Your Favorite Dahlias
Great Perennial Plants to Grow with Your Favorite Dahlias
Dahlia: Plant Care and Growing Guide

Garden Examples

A Beautiful Fall Border Idea with Dahlias, Verbena and Grasses
A Hot Summer Border Idea with Dahlia, Crocosmia and Aster
A Hot Summer Border Idea with Dahlias, Helenium and Easy Perennials
A Late Summer Border Idea with Dahlias, Helenium and Persicaria
Vibrant Summer Border: Dahlia, Zinnia, Chinese Aster
Compare All Dahlia
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Dahlia
Guides with
Dahlia
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 10
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Genus Dahlia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Dahlia
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Dahlia
Guides with
Dahlia

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