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Dahlia ‘Bodacious’

Bodacious Dahlia, Decorative Dahlia, Dinnerplate Dahlia

Dahlia Bodacious, Bodacious Dahlia, Decorative Dahlias, Dinner plate Dahlias, Dinnerplate Dahlias, Red Dahlia

Dahlia ‘Bodacious’ is a magnificent variety, embodying the grandeur and beauty that dinnerplate dahlias are celebrated for. Its enormous, vibrant red and brilliant yellow blooms combined with a sturdy growth habit and versatility in use, make it a prized choice for both amateur and professional gardeners. Whether illuminating a garden bed, gracing a large container, or starring in a floral display, ‘Bodacious’ is a true horticultural treasure, admired for its size, color, and presence. This dahlia is featured in our top 40 must-see dahlia flowers.

Dahlia ‘Bodacious’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Bodacious’ is a remarkable dinnerplate dahlia prized for its large and impressive vibrant red flowers with yellow tips.

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. This variety is known for its robustness and vigorous growth, producing strong, upright stems ideal for cutting.

Size: It generally reaches about 36-48 inches in height (90-120 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions.

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Bodacious’ are its main attraction, displaying a vibrant red color with a contrasting yellow tips. They are extraordinarily large, often measuring 9 inches (26 cm) in diameter. The petals are broad and slightly curved, arranged in a full, rounded form, contributing to the bloom’s luxurious and eye-catching appearance.

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: ‘Bodacious’ is incredibly versatile in landscaping and floral design. Its grand size and striking color make it a popular choice for creating dramatic focal points in gardens and as a standout centerpiece in large containers. In floral arrangements, its large, bright blooms add a touch of elegance and are often used as a statement piece.

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.

Dahlia Growing Tips

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 aphidsbotrytis blightearwigs, powdery mildew, slugs and snailsspider mites, and thrips.

Dahlia: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Learn how to plant, grow and care for Dahlia flowers and add a bright pop of summer color to your garden

Requirements

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 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
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 Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Dahlia
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Dahlia ‘Nadia Ruth’
Dahlia ‘Omega’
Dahlia ‘Feline Yvonne’
Dahlia ‘Dazzling Magic’
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Dover’
Dahlia ‘Avignon’

Recommended Companion Plants

Crocosmia (Montbretia)
Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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54 Orange Flowers To Brighten Up Your Garden with Bold Blooms
42 Green Flowers for Your Garden or Bouquets
54 Black Flowers and Plants: Add Drama to Your Garden
45 Yellow Flowers: Radiant Blooms for Every Season
Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
26 Terrific Summer Bulbs to Grow in your Garden or Pots
Bee-Friendly Dahlia Flowers
Dahlia – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Top 40 Must-See Dahlia Flowers
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
How to Cultivate a Thriving Bee-Friendly Garden
Popular Flower Bulbs For Your Garden and Pots
Dahlia
Edible Flowers: 30 Beautiful Blooms to Grow for Garden and Table
Most Beautiful Dinner Plate Dahlias
Waterlily Dahlias
Mignon and Single Dahlias
Cactus and Semi Cactus Dahlias
Peony-Flowered and Orchid Dahlias
Anemone and Collarette Dahlias
Pompon and Ball Dahlias
Decorative Dahlias
Beautiful Dahlias to Crave For
Great Ornamental Grasses to Grow with Your Favorite Dahlias
Great Perennial Plants to Grow with Your Favorite Dahlias
Dahlias with Dark Foliage
Dahlia: Plant Care and Growing Guide
Best Dahlias For Cutting
Best Dahlias For Containers and Low Borders
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
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.
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Requirements

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 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
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 Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Dahlia
Guides with
Dahlia
Not sure which Dahlia to pick?
Compare Now

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