Dahlia 'Café au Lait Rose' (Dinnerplate)

1 tuber
£5.19
£5.19 each
3 tubers
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£4.53 each
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The vibrant sister of the world-famous beige wedding favourite. You get the same massive ‘dinnerplate’ size and ruffled luxury, just in a luscious berry-pink.

Dahlia ‘Café au Lait Rose’ is a breathtaking dinnerplate variety that offers a vibrant twist on the classic favourite, featuring massive, ruffled blooms in luscious shades of deep pink and magenta. A sport of the world-famous original, it retains the same impressive size and form but brings a richer, more intense colour palette to summer borders and bouquets.

Growing to a substantial height, this variety produces strong, sturdy stems capable of holding its heavy, multi-layered flowers. The petals curl and twist in a relaxed, informal habit, creating a sense of movement and luxury that makes it a standout feature in any garden scheme.

Plant in full sun to ensure the most vibrant colour saturation, in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. As a dinnerplate variety, it requires a sheltered spot away from strong winds to protect its large, heavy heads.

Water generously during dry spells to support the massive blooms, and deadhead regularly to encourage a continuous display until the first frosts. In colder climates, lift the tubers after the foliage blackens and store them frost-free over winter.

A brilliant choice for exhibition growing and luxury floristry, ‘Café au Lait Rose’ pairs beautifully with lighter pinks and creams, offering a romantic and opulent focal point at the back of the border.

Botanical name Dahlia 'Café au Lait Rose'
Flower colour Deep pink raspberry
Tuber size Grade I (Top Size)
Established height 100–120 cm
Established spread 50–60 cm
Plant spacing 3 per m²
Leaf colour Green
Habit Upright bushy
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Half-hardy (lift in winter)
Years to establish 1st year
Sunlight Full sun
Position Sheltered
Suitable for Borders, Cutting garden
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Moist but well-drained
Soil type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Intermediate
Pollinator-friendly No
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

Select a warm, sunny position sheltered from strong winds, as the large dinnerplate blooms can catch the wind. Soil should be fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained.

How to Plant:

Plant tubers outdoors after all risk of frost has passed, usually late May. Dig a hole 10–15cm deep. Crucially, insert a sturdy stake before placing the tuber to avoid damaging roots later. Place the tuber with the 'eye' facing upwards, cover with soil, and firm gently.

Aftercare:

Tie the stems to the stake as they grow. Pinch out the growing tip when the plant is 40cm tall to encourage bushiness. Water deeply once a week, feed with potash-rich fertiliser from July, and lift tubers after the first frost for winter storage.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Good for cutting

£5.19

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