Dahlia ‘Tartan’

Dahlia ‘Tartan’ is an exceptional dahlia variety, offering a blend of bold colors, luxurious blooms, and vigorous growth. Its adaptability and striking appearance make it a highly sought-after choice for gardeners and floral designers. Whether used to enhance the beauty of a garden, as a standout in floral arrangements, or as part of a competitive display, ‘Tartan’ continues to impress with its unique striped pattern and horticultural charm. This dahlia is featured in our top 40 must-see dahlia flowers.

Dahlia ‘Tartan’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Tartan’ is a striking variety in the decorative dahlia category, celebrated for its unique and bold appearance. It features large blooms with a distinctive pattern of deep burgundy and white stripes, reminiscent of a tartan plaid. This striking coloration makes ‘Tartan’ a standout variety among decorative dahlias, which are known for their full, double flowers and broad petals.

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 appreciated for its strong stems and prolific flowering ability, making it a favorite for gardeners seeking impact and reliability.

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 blooms of ‘Tartan’ are its most captivating feature. They are large, often measuring 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter. The gently ruffled, velvety wine-red petals are beautifully edged and tipped with white, creating a dramatic and eye-catching display. The full, rounded form of the bloom adds to its luxurious and opulent 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: 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: 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.