Dahlia - Dinnerplate Cafe au Lait Royal

Dahlia – Dinnerplate Cafe au Lait Royal

Create a breathtaking centerpiece in your garden with the magnificent blooms of Dinnerplate Cafe au Lait Royal Dahlia. This striking variety is known for its enormous, fully double flowers in vibrant shades of rich rose pink, raspberry, and soft magenta with lighter blush highlights. The dramatic coloration and lush, layered petals give the blooms a luxurious and romantic appearance.

Cafe au Lait Royal is part of the famous Cafe au Lait dahlia family, admired for producing spectacular dinnerplate-sized flowers that can reach 8–10 inches across. The tall plants produce strong stems and continuous blooms from mid-summer until the first frost, making them an outstanding choice for cut flower gardens and floral arrangements. Their impressive blooms are especially popular for weddings and bouquets, while also attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Plant Details

Plant Type: Flowering Bulb (Tuber)
Flower Color: Rich rose pink, raspberry, and magenta tones with lighter highlights
Bloom Size: Extra-large dinnerplate blooms (8–10 inches or larger)
Plant Height: 36–48 inches
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to first frost
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Uses: Garden beds, borders, cutting gardens, and floral arrangements

Growing Instructions for Zone 3b

Dahlias are not winter hardy in colder climates and should be planted after the danger of frost has passed. In Zone 3b, tubers must be lifted and stored indoors during winter.

Planting Time
Plant tubers outdoors in late spring once the final frost has passed and soil temperatures reach about 60°F (15–16°C).

Location
Choose a location receiving 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily with rich, well-drained soil.

Planting Depth

• Dig a hole 4–6 inches deep.
• Place the tuber horizontally with the growing eye facing upward.
• Cover with soil and water lightly.

Spacing
Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow room for large plants and good airflow.

Watering
Water lightly after planting. Once shoots appear, maintain consistent moisture while avoiding waterlogged soil.

Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season to encourage strong growth and large blooms.

Support

• Because of the very large blooms, staking is recommended to support stems and prevent bending.

Overwintering in Zone 3b

• After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back to 4–6 inches.
• Carefully dig up the tubers and allow them to dry for several days.
• Store in peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite in a cool, dry, frost-free location (40–50°F) until spring.

With proper care, Dinnerplate Cafe au Lait Royal Dahlias will reward gardeners with spectacular oversized blooms in rich, romantic tones, creating a dramatic highlight in summer gardens and stunning floral arrangements.