Decorative Dahlia
Colorado Classic Dahlia is a striking decorative dahlia that brings sophisticated two-tone beauty to summer gardens from July through first frost. Its broad petals unfurl from pure white to bright lilac-pink, creating an elegant color shift that deepens as blooms mature. Growing 3 to 4 feet tall with substantial 5-inch flowers on vigorous, upright stems, this variety thrives in zones 8 and warmer with full sun exposure. Expect first blooms around 80 to 100 days after planting tubers in late spring, once soil temperatures reach 60 degrees.
18-24 inches apart
Full Sun
Moderate
8-8
?in H x ?in W
Annual
High
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The real draw of Colorado Classic is the interplay between its white base and lilac-pink outer petals, a color combination that feels both classic and contemporary. Those broad, informal petals create blooms with generous substance and garden presence, and the strong stems hold them upright without constant staking. This is a dahlia that commands attention without looking fussy, and its vigorous growth habit means you'll get rewarded with weeks of cutting material for arrangements.
Colorado Classic Dahlia is primarily grown as a cut flower and ornamental garden specimen. The substantial 5-inch blooms and strong stems make it exceptional for floral arrangements, where the two-toned petals add sophistication and color depth to bouquets. In the garden, it serves as a tall, structural element that provides consistent late-summer color and creates visual focal points in borders.
Plant dahlia tubers directly into garden soil in late spring after soil temperatures have reached 60 degrees and frost danger has passed. In most regions, this occurs around mid-May to late May, depending on your specific last frost date. Position tubers horizontally about 6 inches deep, with the 'eye' or sprouting point facing upward.
Pinch back the growing tip when plants reach approximately 12 inches tall to encourage branching and a bushier, more floriferous form. Remove lower leaves as the plant grows to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure. Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout the season to extend flowering and redirect energy into new flower production.
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