Dahlia Decorative – Edinburgh

Formal Decorative Dahlia | Purple with White-Tipped Petals

Dahlia ‘Edinburgh’ is a charming formal decorative variety known for its bold contrast of deep purple petals tipped in pristine white. Each bloom is a unique work of art, making this variety a showstopper in garden beds and floral arrangements alike. Its eye-catching bicolour effect brings playful elegance to borders and bouquet work, while the strong stems make it ideal for cutting.

Tuber Count: 1 Clump
Plant Height: 100 cm
Plant Type: Tender perennial
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Blooms: Summer to First Frost
Plant Spacing: 45 cm
Plant Staking: Yes, due to plant height

Dahlias are shipped as single tubers with a minimum of one eye guaranteed. If you’re not ready to plant upon arrival, store tubers in a cool, dry, dark place until planting time.

Planting Information:

Plant dahlias after the last spring frost, once soil temperatures reach 15°C. Choose a rich, well-drained flower bed or planter. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30 cm and enrich with compost and an all-purpose granular fertiliser.

Plant the tuber with the eye or sprout facing upwards, positioning the top of the tuber about 8 cm below the soil surface. Fill in around the tuber, press the soil down firmly, and water well to eliminate air pockets. Ensure containers have good drainage.

Tips for Growing Dahlias:

• Avoid overwatering newly planted tubers — water once at planting, then wait until shoots emerge before watering again.

• Water deeply at the base once or twice a week, letting the top 2.5 cm of soil dry out between waterings. Keep foliage dry to prevent disease.

• Feed with a water-soluble, organic fertiliser every 3–4 weeks until March. Stop fertilising after that to encourage tuber dormancy and storage.

• Deadhead regularly to keep plants blooming all season. Snip blooms just above a leaf node using clean scissors or pruners.

• Cut longer stems for floral use — this encourages bushy growth and more flowers.

• Store tubers if needed — in most areas of South Africa, tubers can overwinter in the ground. In colder climates, lift after the first frost and store in a dry, cool place.