Diana’s Memory is a refined and graceful dahlia, named in tribute to the timeless elegance of Princess Diana. Its blooms are soft and serene—creamy blush petals blend effortlessly into tones of pale pink and ivory, with a gentle yellow glow at the centre. The flowers exude a quiet sophistication, perfect for creating calm and romantic moments in the garden.
Reaching up to 120 cm tall, this dahlia is a compact grower ideal for the front or middle of a garden bed, and is also a reliable performer for cut flower arrangements thanks to its sturdy stems and lasting blooms.
When to Plant
Plant once the last spring frost has passed and your soil has warmed to at least 15°C — usually by early to mid-September, depending on your region.
At a Glance
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Tuber Count: 1 (with at least one eye guaranteed)
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Plant Height: ± 120 cm
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Spacing Required: 45 cm
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Light Requirement: Full Sun
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Blooming Season: Summer through to first frost
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Staking Needed: Yes – due to its height and bloom weight
How to Plant
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Choose a rich, well-draining flower bed or a large planter with good drainage.
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Loosen the soil to a depth of 30 cm and mix in compost and an all-purpose granular fertiliser.
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Place the tuber in the hole with the eye/sprout facing up, about 8 cm beneath the soil surface.
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Refill the hole, firm the soil down, and water thoroughly to settle the tuber in place.
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If planting in a container, ensure excellent drainage to avoid soggy conditions.
Tips for Growing Diana’s Memory
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Don’t overwater early on. Tubers are prone to rot if kept too moist before sprouting. Water once at planting, then wait for shoots to appear before watering again.
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Water wisely. Once growing, give a deep soak 1–2 times a week, allowing the top 2.5 cm of soil to dry out between watering.
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Feed regularly. Apply a liquid organic fertiliser every 3–4 weeks until March, then stop to help prepare the tubers for winter dormancy.
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Deadhead diligently. Snip off spent blooms above the nearest leaf node to keep flowers coming.
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Harvest with intention. Cutting long stems for the vase encourages more blooms and helps the plant grow bushier.
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Care for your tubers. Dahlias don’t grow true from seed, so save your tubers if you’d like to enjoy Diana’s Memory again next season.
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No need to lift in most of South Africa. Leave tubers in the ground through winter, and they’ll reemerge in spring.
If You’re Not Planting Right Away
Store tubers in a cool, dry, and dark place until you’re ready. Avoid moisture and bright light to prevent premature sprouting or rot.