Dahlia ‘Waltzing Mathilda’

Dahlia ‘Waltzing Mathilda’ is a remarkable dahlia variety, offering a unique blend of vibrant colors, elegant form, and versatile application. Whether featured in a garden, used in floral designs, or simply enjoyed as part of a diverse plant collection, ‘Waltzing Mathilda’ brings a sense of vitality and charm to any setting. Its adaptability and stunning visual appeal make it a favorite choice for gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike, adding a touch of dynamic beauty wherever it grows.

Dahlia ‘Waltzing Mathilda’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Waltzing Mathilda’ is a striking and distinctive semi-double dahlia. This type is celebrated for its open-centered flowers and natural, less formal appearance, making it a favorite among gardeners who appreciate both beauty and simplicity.

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 a well-structured plant with strong stems, making it a robust and visually appealing addition to any garden.

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

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Waltzing Mathilda’ are truly charming. Each bloom measures about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter and features peach-coral petals, sometimes touched with a cherry red blush. The petals, slightly curled and vibrant, surround a central yellow disc, attracting pollinators and adding a pop of color to the garden. Reminiscent of the colors of a summer sunset, the eye-catching flowers blend in nicely with other plants and add welcomed color and form to the late summer and fall borders.

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

Foliage: One of the distinctive features of ‘Waltzing Mathilda’ is its dark, burgundy-black foliage. The deep color of the leaves provides a dramatic backdrop for the peach-coral flowers, enhancing their visual impact.

Uses: Dahlia ‘Waltzing Mathilda’ is highly versatile in garden and floral design. Its striking blooms make it ideal for creating focal points in garden beds and containers. In floral arrangements, it adds a touch of rustic elegance and is particularly beautiful in informal, garden-style bouquets. Additionally, its moderate size and vibrant appearance make it suitable for urban gardens and smaller outdoor spaces.

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.