Flowers are a great way to introduce whimsy into your yard. We spoke to two gardening experts to find out the best dahlia colors to consider.
8 Gorgeous Dahlia Colors for Standout Summer Gardens
Dahlias are one of the most universally adored cut flowers. Easy to grow and prolific in blooms, dahlias provide a huge return on a minimal investment. Additionally, they come in a rainbow of reds, pinks, purples, oranges, yellows, and whites. With so many colors to choose from, there’s a dahlia for everybody. Here are eight of our favorite dahlia colors this summer, as recommended by dahlia farmer and cut flower designer, Amy Barene. Take a look to see what your flower garden is missing! Plus, we spoke to gardening expert Annette Hird to glean the answers to some of the most-asked questions about these flowers.
Barene recommends sourcing these dahlias through River Merle Farm, the Farmhouse Flower Farm, and Dahlias by Julie. These growers offer truly unique dahlia colors and varietals. Try to balance the whimsical dahlias with other playful flower varietals to spruce up your garden. Happy planting!
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Peach
This is one of our favorite soft, playful dahlia colors. The peach tones add a touch of sweetness to any garden. Try finding Clearview Peachy, Lakeview Peach Fuzz or Peaches ‘n’ Cream varietals. Then, pair the dahlias with some colorful perennials that will thrive in the taller plant’s shade.
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Buttercream
White flowers don’t have to be boring! Buttercream dahlias offer a subtle complexity to an otherwise plain white bloom. Barene recommends Creamy, KA Champagne and Bloomquist Blush dahlias.
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Raspberry
Looking for a rich pop of color? Raspberry is one of the best dahlia colors for you! Check out Caitlyn’s Joy, Polka and Koko Puff varietals. These playful pink flowers are sure to brighten both your garden and your day.
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Coral
A whimsical and endlessly complementary shade, coral is Barene’s favorite dahlia color for a reason. It adds variety to your garden palette and helps bridge the gap between pink and orange blooms in bouquets. Barene suggests adding Totally Tangerine, Jowey Winnie and Snoho Jojo shades to your cut flower garden.
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Blush
Similarly, if you’d like a flower in a softer shade than classic bright pink, blush dahlias are an excellent choice. Try to find Coralie, Maltby Pearl and Cafe au Lait varietals to add a gentle touch to your garden. To up the sweetness even more, try planting them alongside your favorite fragrant flowers.
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Rust
Earth tones are absolutely on trend for home and garden, especially the warm terracotta shades used in Japandi style. To bring the clay-like hue to your garden, try Brown Sugar, Terracotta and Cornel Bronze dahlias, suggests Barene.
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Gold
Sometimes, more is more and you want a shining bright statement flower. For those instances, turn to gold dahlias in Bracken Sarah, Sandia Brocade and Miss Amara varietals. To embrace your maximalism, pair gold dahlias with some bright yellow flowers like different varieties of sunflower.
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Lavender
Soft purples feel so special in a garden inhabited by mostly pinks, yellows, reds, and oranges. To add that gorgeous surprise element to your flower collection, try sourcing a soothing lavender dahlia in Bloomquist Tory P, Clearview Debbie or Tahoma Kelli shades.
FAQs
Are dahlias a beginner-friendly flower?
Yes, dahlias are easy to care for. Water them just enough so the soil is moist but not sopping wet. Watch for pests, and fertilize dahlias once a month. The only slightly complicated step is when the cold weather hits. “In colder areas, the tubers should be lifted, divided (if necessary) and then stored in a paper bag in a cool, dark spot. They can then be replanted in the spring once the danger of frost has passed,” says Hird.
What growing conditions do dahlias need?
Dahlias prefer well-drained soil and at least six hours a day of full sun. They don’t do well in South Florida and similar hot climates. Dahlias grow best in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. “USDA hardiness zones are important so that you select plants that will thrive in your growing conditions,” says Hird.
About the Experts
- Amy Barene is a flower designer and urban flower farmer. She is the owner of Capital Blooms, a floral design studio specializing in home-grown boutique flowers, based in Washington.
- Annette Hird is the owner and author of Easy Urban Gardens. Hird has an Associate Diploma in Horticulture and is an urban gardening expert.
