Decorative Dahlia 'Prinzessin Irene von Preussen' is a stunning Mexican native that brings theatrical blooms to summer and fall gardens from July through September. This tuberous perennial grows 4 to 5 feet tall with showy flowers in the decorative classification, thriving in full sun across USDA zones 7 to 10. Though winter hardy in these zones, many gardeners lift and store the tubers each fall to enhance performance the following season. A high-maintenance plant that rewards dedicated care with reliable mid-summer to fall color.
Full Sun
Moderate
7-10
60in H x 36in W
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High
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The decorative flower form on this dahlia showcases fully double blooms with broad, evenly arranged petals that create a lush, formal appearance. Growing to a substantial 4 to 5 feet tall, it commands attention in the back of the border and demands full sun for its best flowering performance. Like all dahlias, it's a tender perennial grown from tubers that can be lifted and stored over winter in cooler zones, giving gardeners in zones 7 to 10 the flexibility to treat it as a returning investment rather than an annual expense.
Decorative dahlias are primarily grown as ornamental flowers for summer and fall garden displays. They excel in cut flower arrangements, where their large, fully double blooms and long stems make them popular with florists and home gardeners seeking impressive bouquets. They're equally at home as focal points in borders, mixed perennial beds, and container gardens where their substantial height and showy flowers create dramatic vertical interest.
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Start tubers indoors in pots earlier than spring planting if desired, then transplant when soil warms and danger of frost has passed.
Move tubers or started plants outside in spring, 1 to 2 weeks before your last frost date. Plant in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun, spacing 12 to 36 inches apart.
Remove spent flower heads regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. The plant's substantial height (4 to 5 feet) may benefit from staking or support, particularly in windy locations or when grown in rich soil that encourages vigorous growth.
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