Ball Dahlia
Marble Ball is a stunning ball dahlia that brings architectural beauty to any garden with its perfectly rounded blooms streaked in purple and white. Growing a compact 28 inches tall, this upright cultivar produces 3, 4 inch flowers on strong stems from midsummer straight through until frost. Hardy in zones 8, 10, it's ideal for gardeners who want dramatic, symmetrical color without the sprawl of taller varieties.
—
Moderate
8-10
28in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
Hover over chart points for details
What sets Marble Ball apart is its distinctive marbled effect, those striking purple and white streaks create genuine visual interest rather than solid color. The perfectly rounded form of each bloom is almost sculptural, making it equally at home in a cutting vase or anchoring a border. Its prolific flowering habit means you'll have continuous blooms for months, and the compact 28-inch height makes it manageable in smaller spaces where larger dahlias would overwhelm.
Marble Ball excels in cutting gardens, where its sturdy upright stems and perfectly formed blooms are prized for arrangements. It works beautifully in borders and containers, where its compact height and eye-catching marbled coloring provide focal points without excessive staking. The prolific flowering makes it valuable for anyone wanting continuous color from midsummer through the first frosts.
Plant tubers or transplants after the last frost date when soil has warmed, spacing them 18–20 inches apart. Ensure the planting site receives full sun and has well-draining soil.
Pinch back young plants when they reach 12 inches tall to encourage branching and a bushier, more compact form. Remove spent flower heads regularly throughout the season to redirect energy into new blooms rather than seed production.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.