Dahlia ‘Moonfire’

Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ is a remarkable dahlia variety, offering a blend of vibrant colors, approachable size, and straightforward growth. Its adaptability and stunning appearance make it a highly desirable choice for gardeners and floral designers. Whether used to brighten a garden space, as a standout in floral arrangements, or as a part of a pollinator-friendly garden, ‘Moonfire’ impresses with its sun-like blooms and easy-going nature. This dahlia is featured in our top 40 must-see dahlia flowers.

Dahlia ‘Moonfire’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ is a standout variety in the single dahlia group, cherished for its vibrant and fiery color palette. It features blooms with golden-yellow petals surrounding a bold, dark red center, creating a striking contrast against the dark bronze foliage.

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 valued for its manageable growth and ease of care, making it a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

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

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Moonfire’ are its most stunning feature. They are medium-sized, usually measuring about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter. They feature golden orange petals blushed with orange-red at their center, and a dark chocolate disc that glows with flecks of bright golden stamens. The bloom’s open form and vibrant colors make it highly attractive to pollinators.

Bloom Time: Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost it provides long-lasting color in the garden.

Foliage: The foliage is distinctively dark bronze, offering a striking contrast to its bright, sun-like flowers. This darker foliage adds depth and a unique aesthetic to the plant, enhancing the vibrancy of the golden-yellow petals and dark red centers. The compound leaves contribute to the overall lushness, making ‘Moonfire’ a visually appealing variety in any garden setting.

Uses: Ideal for borders, beds, and as a striking feature in floral arrangements. Its vibrant blooms are also popular in cut flower gardens.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

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: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

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 aphids, botrytis blight, earwigs, powdery mildew, slugs and snails, spider mites, and thrips.