Dahlia – Honka Fragile

Elegant and ethereal, Dahlia ‘Honka Fragile’ brings a soft, romantic touch to the garden. This refined variety features delicate star-shaped blooms with creamy white petals, each petal tipped in a faint blush of pink or lilac, surrounding a golden-yellow centre. With its airy structure and unique form, ‘Honka Fragile’ stands out in both borders and bouquets.

Tuber Count: 2
Plant Height: 60–80 cm
Bloom Size: 8–10 cm
Flower Type: Single, star-shaped (Honka type)
Growth Habit: Upright and lightly branched
Light Requirement: Full sun
Blooming Season: Mid to late summer through early autumn
Spacing: 30–40 cm apart
Staking: Usually not necessary, but support is helpful in exposed areas

🌱 Growing Tips (South Africa)

🕰️ Planting Time:
Spring (August–October), once the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures rise.

📍 Position:
Full sun with good airflow. Ideal for cottage gardens, mixed borders, or minimalist arrangements.

🌾 Soil:
Rich, well-draining garden soil improved with compost or aged manure. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.

💧 Watering:
Water deeply and regularly—allow soil to dry slightly between watering. Avoid wetting the leaves to reduce disease risk.

🍽️ Feeding:
Use a balanced or potassium-rich fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during the flowering season.

✂️ Care & Maintenance:
Deadhead regularly for continuous flowering. Prune back old stems as needed. In frost-prone areas, lift and store tubers over winter.

🛏️ Overwintering:
In warmer regions, tubers can remain in the ground with mulch. Elsewhere, lift and store dry in a cool, dark place.

💗 Why You’ll Love It

• Light, airy blooms with a graceful blush

• Distinctive Honka form adds movement and softness

• Great pollinator plant—bees love it!

• Lovely for cut flower arrangements and romantic displays

• Compact, easy to grow, and highly floriferous