Belle of Barmera Dahlia, Decorative Dahlia, Dinnerplate Dahlia
Dahlia ‘Belle of Barmera’ is a standout variety, prized for its large, decorative blooms and rich color palette. It’s a favorite among gardeners and floral designers for its ability to make a bold statement in both garden settings and floral displays. This dahlia is featured in our top 40 must-see dahlia flowers.
Dahlia ‘Belle of Barmera’ falls under the dinnerplate dahlia category, renowned for its exceptionally large and showy blooms. The flowers feature a blend of warm, sunset hues, often combining shades of pink, orange, and peach, creating an effect that’s both dramatic and elegant.
Native: Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America. This cultivar results from extensive breeding and does not occur naturally in the wild.
Plant Type and Habit: This dahlia is a tuberous-rooted perennial with a bushy, upright growth habit. It forms sturdy, tall stems that are well-suited to supporting the weight of its large blooms, making it an ideal addition to structured garden beds and borders.
Size: It generally reaches about 48-60 inches in height (120-150 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions.
Flowers: The blooms are quite large, often exceeding 8-10 inches in diameter (20-25 cm), typical of dinnerplate dahlias. The petals of ‘Belle of Barmera’ are sumptuous and layered, contributing to the flower’s full, luxurious appearance. Each petal showcases a beautiful gradation of color, with the outer edges often a deeper shade, lightening towards the center of the bloom.
Bloom Time: Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost it provides long-lasting color in the garden.
Foliage: The foliage is typical of dahlias, with dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the bright flowers.
Uses: Ideal for borders, beds, and as a striking feature in floral arrangements. Its vibrant blooms are also popular in cut flower gardens.
Hardiness: Dahlias are hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder zones, tubers need to be lifted and stored over winter.
Toxicity: Dahlias are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Their ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other health issues in pets and livestock.
Wildlife: While visually stunning, the complex petal structure of this dahlia makes it more difficult for pollinators to access the nectar and pollen. It is less effective in attracting pollinators than single-flowered or open-centered dahlia types.
Deer and Rabbit: Dahlias are somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits but may still be vulnerable to browsing.
Invasiveness: Not invasive; dahlias grow from tubers and do not spread aggressively.
Light: Dahlias love the sun, so choose a location with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Dahlias prefer well-drained, loamy soil. They don’t tolerate water-logged conditions, so if your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
Planting Time: Dahlias are usually planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
Planting Depth: Dahlia tubers should be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, with the “eye” (the small bump from where the stem will grow) facing upward.
Watering: Dahlias like consistent moisture. Water them deeply a couple of times a week, more often if your area is experiencing a drought. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilizing: Dahlias respond well to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush, leafy growth and fewer flowers.
Deadheading: Regularly removing the spent flowers (deadheading) will keep your dahlias producing more blooms.
Overwintering: In colder climates (zones 7 and below), you’ll need to dig up and store the tubers indoors over the winter.
Pests and Diseases: Dahlias are generally relatively disease and pest-resistant, but there are a few common issues to watch out such as aphids, botrytis blight, earwigs, powdery mildew, slugs and snails, spider mites, and thrips.
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 11 |
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 |
Plant Family | Compositae |
Genus | Dahlia |
Common names | Dahlia |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
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 |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Cutting Garden, City and Courtyard |
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 11 |
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 |
Plant Family | Compositae |
Genus | Dahlia |
Common names | Dahlia |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
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 |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Cutting Garden, City and Courtyard |
How many Dahlia ‘Belle of Barmera’ do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Dahlia ‘Belle of Barmera’ | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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