My Top Dinnerplate Varieties for Hot Climates
Recently I’ve had multiple requests for variety names of dahlias that like hot humid climates. Honestly, no dahlia really likes that but there are some that do better than others. Dinnerplates were mentioned specifically so I’ve decided to cover those today.
One thing to recognize about dinnerplates grown in a less than ideal climate is that they are more often saladplates. To get a true dinnerplate size, you’d have to do some pretty specific growing- strict fertilizer regime, no pinching, etc. (similar to how show growers do it). Also, I’m interpreting “dinnerplate” loosely. Some of the dahlias I mention here are large varieties but don’t quite have the genetics to reach dinnerplate size but I’m including them because they give a lot of “wow” factor in your garden. Lastly, it’s pretty average for some varieties to only throw 3-5 blooms per season. It takes a lot out of the plant to produce a bloom that size.
Here we go: (in alphabetical order)
AC Ben
Cactus type orange dahlia. This variety is about as prolific as a large dahlia can be in a hot climate (that means I get a minimum of 5 blooms per plant each year). That’s really good for a dinnerplate type. Pictures really don’t do it justice, you need to see it to know how amazing this variety can be!
Cafe Au Lait
The queen herself— she actually does really well in the heat. She can vary in color and I still can’t figure out if it’s temperature related or soil pH. You can even get two different color blooms on the same plant. Her color ranges from cream to blush pink, can even have lilac streaks occasionally.
Hollyhill Black Beauty
Hands down, my favorite burgundy dahlia. Others are more productive but this one is stunning when it’s all the way open. The petals fall so elegantly into rows of ruffles!
Kenora Lisa
Her color will blow your mind. It’s not just bright pink— there’s a whole sunset in there! Also- she has the glitter! Dahlia glitter that is.. some flowers have a natural sparkle to them called Dahlia Glitter. Fairly productive too.
Mary Lou
If you took a sunflower and turned it into an elegant dahlia, you’d have Mary Lou. She’s just the perfect shade of yellow, not too bright, not too garish, just right. Makes good tubers too- they store well. Excellent addition to the garden.
Rip City
Rip City - the two burgundy blooms on the left here. Probably one of the best production burgundies out there. Amazing tuber maker too— you’ll never run out of Rip City tubers.
Roque Starburst
One of my two all time favorite whites. I only grow a few of these for me mostly b/c they are too big for most of my customers. But I love this one- often she has a blush center!
Sierra Glow
The large one in the center here. She changes color as she matures in the vase. Begins as a rusty tone but then turns a smoky mauve. Loads of ruffles! Very tall too- you gotta stake this one!
Winkie Colonel
A Big Bold Red! I stopped growing this one several years ago b/c it wasn’t popular with my florist customers but if you just want something to show off— This is it! Beautiful crimson red, nice and full!
Honorable Mention: This one doesn’t get to be on the list because it’s not the most reliable but it’s so pretty!
