With their intense color, strength, and ability to keep flowering until the first frosts, dahlias are easy to grow and bring life to your garden. Dahlias like well-balanced and composted soil, and full sun. With 42 different species and thousands of cultivars, dahlias offer plenty of variety. Variations in color, flower form, size, and foliage make it easy to find one youll love.
Generally winter hardy in zones 7-10, and tubers can stay in the ground. In colder zones, tubers can be dug up, stored for winter and re-planted in spring, after all danger of frost has passed. (See below for storage tips.)
1 to 6 feet tall, and 1 to 3 feet wide depending on the variety; border dahlias range 15 to 20 inches tall.
According to Frances Palmer, well-known potter and dahlia enthusiast, a good planting time for tubers is May. Here are her recommendations for planting:
If you live in a cold climate and want to get a head start, tubers can be started inside 6 weeks before moving them out to the garden. Plant them in pots with potting soil and provide plenty of light and water. When the ground temperature in your garden reaches 60°F it is safe to transplant your dahlias.
A beautifully designed front yard dahlia garden can transform any outdoor space into a vibrant wonderland. With their diverse colors, forms and sizes, dahlias are ideal for creating floral displays with visual impact.
Careful planning and preparation are key to growing thriving dahlias and arranging them for maximum appeal. This comprehensive guide provides tips and ideas to assist you in crafting a showstopping front yard dahlia garden.
Selecting the Optimal Site
Choosing the right location is the first critical step in designing your dahlia garden Here are important factors to consider
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Full sun exposure. Dahlias require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom profusely. Select the sunniest part of your front yard.
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Well-draining soil. Excellent drainage is crucial, as dahlias are prone to rotting in soggy soil. Choose slightly elevated areas or amend soil to improve drainage.
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Wind protection Shelter dahlias from excessive wind which can damage tall stalks Utilize existing fences, hedges or plant in a protected courtyard.
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Convenience. Situate beds near entries and water spigots for easy access and maintenance.
Planning Your Dahlia Garden Layout
How you structure the dahlia garden beds impacts the overall design. Effective layout options include:
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Island beds: One large centralized bed makes a bold focal point.
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Parallel beds: Symmetrical long narrow beds lining a central path look orderly.
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Bordered beds: Frame dahlia beds with shorter border plants.
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Geometric beds: Square or circular dahlia beds surrounded by lawn look tailored.
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Freeform beds: Curving, kidney-shaped beds have a naturalistic flow.
Selecting Dahlia Varieties for Dazzling Color
With over 42 classifications and thousands of varieties, selecting dahlias can seem daunting initially. Here are helpful tips:
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Include heights: Grow both tall (up to 5 feet) and short (1-2 feet) varieties.
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Pick various bloom forms: Combine single, collarette, anemone, peony, ball and more.
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Blend sizes: Showcase giant 8-10” blooms beside cute 2-4” ones.
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Mix colors: Incorporate every shade from crimson to butter yellow for excitement!
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Add bicolors: Two-toned dahlia blooms pack extra visual punch.
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Include other types: Dark-leaved foliage dahlias and single stem kinds add interest.
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Review recommendations: Consult online lists of top-rated dahlias to simplify selection.
Arranging Dahlias for Maximum Visual Impact
How you arrange the dahlias within the beds significantly affects the design. Useful tips include:
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Group varieties: Plant 3-7 of one kind together to create bold color blocks.
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Use short up front: Place dwarfs along edges so they aren’t blocked.
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Highlight tall center/back: Showcase height prominently in mid-sections.
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Repeat color: Echo hues in different areas for cohesion.
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Use symmetry: Mirror identical groupings on both sides of paths.
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Create focal points: Highlight special dahlias by planting accent plants around them.
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Allow space: Leave 12-24 inches between most dahlias for mature growth.
Complementing With Other Plants
While dahlias will star, incorporating supporting plants adds beauty and depth. Ideal options include:
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Annuals: Low annuals like petunias or marigolds make vibrant edging.
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Foliage plants: Large tropical leaves contrast beautifully with dahlias.
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Grasses: Add movement and texture. Grasses provide winter interest.
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Roses: Combos create a chic English cottage look.
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Shrubs: Bushes like hydrangeas anchor beds as backdrops.
Incorporating Hardscaping & Features
Strategic hardscaping provides important framework. Ideas include:
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Pathways: Invite movement through beds with gravel, brick, flagstone or wood chip paths.
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Trellises: Vertical structures give climbing dahlias space to shine.
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Arbors/Pergolas: Position over paths to create charming dahlia tunnels.
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Fences: Attractive picket or rail fences make striking backdrops.
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Benches: Provide seating to enjoy the dahlias.
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Water features: Fountains, ponds or birdbaths make lovely focal points.
Key Design Tips for Success
Follow these vital tips when planning your dahlia garden:
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Position beds in the sunniest areas for prolific blooms.
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Improve drainage through raised beds and soil amendments.
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Include diverse dahlia varieties for endless color and forms.
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Use complementary plants like shrubs, grasses and annuals to accent.
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Allow proper mature spacing between plants for air circulation.
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Repeat colors/groupings for visual harmony and balance.
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Incorporate hardscaping like trellises and pathways to enhance enjoyment.
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Site beds and benches conveniently near entries for visibility.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
With careful planning and preparation, your front yard can transform into a breathtaking dahlia showcase. Follow this guide when designing your own vibrant front yard dahlia garden. Then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor as your landscape comes alive with dazzling color.
Planting dahlias in containers:
Low-growing or dwarf dahlias are best for growing in containers. Use a pot with drainage holes and a good quality potting mix. When starting, barely cover the tuber with soil, more can be added as the plant’s stem grows.
Get 7 tips for growing dahlias in pots in this video from Bethany @chicagogardener.
Dahlia tubers can be stored for the winter in your basement or garage. Photo by: Frances Palmer.
Research Garden DesignBrowse photos, get design ideas & see the hottest plants
Ginger Snap dahlia. Photo by: Andrea Jones.
With their intense color, strength, and ability to keep flowering until the first frosts, dahlias are easy to grow and bring life to your garden. Dahlias like well-balanced and composted soil, and full sun. With 42 different species and thousands of cultivars, dahlias offer plenty of variety. Variations in color, flower form, size, and foliage make it easy to find one youll love.
Generally winter hardy in zones 7-10, and tubers can stay in the ground. In colder zones, tubers can be dug up, stored for winter and re-planted in spring, after all danger of frost has passed. (See below for storage tips.)
1 to 6 feet tall, and 1 to 3 feet wide depending on the variety; border dahlias range 15 to 20 inches tall.
Well-balanced, organically rich and well-drained soil.
Varieties include shades of red, pink, lavender, purple, orange, yellow, and white
Learn more about the types of dahlias.
Tomato cages and wooden stakes can be used to support dahlias. Photo by: Frances Palmer.
According to Frances Palmer, well-known potter and dahlia enthusiast, a good planting time for tubers is May. Here are her recommendations for planting:
- Place growing cages (tomato cages work well) in the soil and drive in 2-3 stakes adjacent to them for support.
- Dig the hole: For new or single tubers: Place them in a fairly shallow hole, approx. 3 inches deep, with the new bud facing up. For larger groups of tubers: Place in a deeper hole, keeping them approx. 3 inches below the surface. Gently cover with dirt.
- Attach a label to the cage for identification.
- Do not water, as there should be enough moisture in the soil this time of year. Over-watering causes tubers to rot.
- The first leaves should poke through the surface in about 1-2 weeks.
If you live in a cold climate and want to get a head start, tubers can be started inside 6 weeks before moving them out to the garden. Plant them in pots with potting soil and provide plenty of light and water. When the ground temperature in your garden reaches 60°F it is safe to transplant your dahlias.
Planting a Proven Winners Spirea and Dahlia! || front yard update
FAQ
Are dahlias good for the front yard?
If you’d like an easy landscaping solution for your front yard, we highly recommend border dahlias. You can choose from a dozen different varieties, in colors ranging from pink and peach to orange, yellow, lavender and red.
What not to plant near dahlias?
Cattails, flag iris, marsh marigolds, and rush reed plants thrive in soils that stay soggy all year long and make poor companions for dahlias. Plants that prefer drier soils or desert climates also are not a great match with dahlia.
How to plan a dahlia garden?
Set tubers in rows spaced 3 feet apart. If you plant dahlias about 1 foot apart, they make an excellent flowering hedge and will support each other. Plant medium- to low-height dahlias, usually in the 3-foot tall range, among other summer flowers. Set them 2 feet apart.
What is the best position in the garden for dahlias?
You will need a spade and stakes to support your dahlias as they grow. Remember, planting position is extremely important — dahlias like a sheltered spot, with as much sunshine as possible. South facing is ideal.
How to decorate a front yard with dahlias?
Place a wooden bench on the grass surrounded by a burst of dahlia flowers to captivate visitors. Position the bench under the trees for shade. This setup will create a magical and inviting garden space. 17. Tropical Style Dahlias Front Yard Design Dahlias can be a stunning centerpiece for your tropical garden despite being cool-climate flowers.
How to plant a dahlia garden & patio?
Dahlia Garden and Patio Ideas Some prefer separating flower planting areas from the grass for easier maintenance. This dahlia garden design won’t take up much grass space. It will enhance your garden and patio’s cheerful atmosphere. Build a long container from black or gray bricks along the garden edge leading to the terrace.
How do you decorate a dahlia garden?
This dahlia garden design focuses on greeting you with fresh flowers right at your front door. Choose a spot next to the garden lamp so the flowers shine at night. Use bright-colored dahlias like red, pink, yellow, or orange to make them stand out. This setup is simple yet incredible. Your garden will have a vibrant, welcoming entrance. 24.
How do you plant a dahlia garden?
Choose a large location in your front yard for the dahlias. Select flowers with four to six colors to make them stand out. Place them in the chosen site and watch them grow into summer, creating vibrant, colorful vibes. 22. Dahlia Garden and Patio Ideas Some prefer separating flower planting areas from the grass for easier maintenance.
How do you design a dahlia display?
Follow these tips for designing a dahlia display with maximum visual appeal: Combine heights and flower types for multi-layered interest. Mass plantings have high impact. Repeat varieties in drifts. Use neutral greens like parsley or artemisia to make blooms pop. Weave climbing vines through supports to backdrop dahlias.
How do I send pictures of my dahlia garden?
If you have pictures of your garden that features dahlias in a garden setting, send them on to the webmaster along with a short description of the garden. There will also be hints and practices that will make your dahlia growing less stressful and easy.