Eventual height & spread
Dahlia 'Café au Lait Royal'
decorative dahlia (dinnerplate) dahlia Cafe au Lait Royal
- 1 × tuber
- £5.49
- available to order from winter
Delivery options
- Bulbs (only) £4.95
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: half hardy (may need winter protection)
This decorative dahlia shares many similarities to its close cousin, 'Cafe au Lait', however its heads, which can grow up to 25cm across, are made up of irregularly streaked 'petals', which initially are a soft blend of pinks, but gradually fade to blush as they age. It makes a head-turning addition to the border or vase. - Garden care: Dahlia tubers can be planted outside after frost, or started off in pots under glass in late winter to early spring. Plant them horizontally approximately 12cm deep, making sure the ‘eyes’ are uppermost. Allow enough room between each tuber so the plants can grow and spread to their full size without being overcrowded. While in growth, provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September. Stake with canes or brushwood if it becomes necessary. In mild areas, leave them in situ over winter, but protect the crown with a generous layer of dry mulch. In colder areas, carefully lift and clean the tubers once the first frosts have blackened the foliage and allow them to dry naturally indoors. Then place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite and store in a frost-free place until planting out again.
- Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
