Dahlia - Dinnerplate Lady Darlene

Dahlia – Dinnerplate Lady Darlene

Add vibrant sunset colors to your garden with the stunning blooms of Dinnerplate Lady Darlene Dahlia. This spectacular variety produces enormous, fully double flowers featuring glowing shades of golden yellow blended with warm orange and coral-red accents along the petal tips. The dramatic color contrast and beautifully layered petals create a brilliant, eye-catching bloom that instantly becomes the centerpiece of any garden bed.

Lady Darlene dahlias are known for their impressive dinnerplate-sized blooms and strong stems that support the large flowers. Blooming continuously from mid-summer until the first frost, these plants provide months of vivid color and dramatic beauty. Their large blossoms are highly prized for cutting gardens and floral arrangements, bringing warmth and energy to bouquets while also attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Plant Details

Plant Type: Flowering Bulb (Tuber)
Flower Color: Golden yellow with orange and coral-red accents
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 maintain 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 support healthy growth and large blooms.

Support

• Because of the large dinnerplate blooms, staking is recommended to prevent stems from bending or breaking.

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 Lady Darlene Dahlias will produce spectacular oversized blooms filled with glowing sunset colors, bringing dramatic beauty and warmth to summer gardens and floral arrangements.