Scarlet dahlia (Dahlia coccinea)

Scarlet dahlia (Dahlia coccinea) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Scarlet dahlia (Dahlia coccinea).

This plant is commonly known as scarlet dahlia.

This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: scarlet dahlia
Scientific name: Dahlia coccinea
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Clump-forming
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden, Patio & Container Garden
Planting type: Cut Flowers, Flower borders and bedding
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators

Seasonal colors

How to plant Scarlet dahlia (Dahlia coccinea) – Magnus Manske, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.

They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.

Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.

But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.

How to plant

In this section we will learn how to plant Scarlet dahlia (Dahlia coccinea), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.

Soil

Scarlet dahlia (Dahlia coccinea) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.

• The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.

• The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.

• Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.

It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.

Regarding drainage, Dahlia coccinea likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.

Sunlight

Scarlet dahlia (Dahlia coccinea) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Scarlet dahlia (Dahlia coccinea) – Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons