Dahlia - Dinnerplate Penhill Watermelon

Dahlia – Dinnerplate Penhill Watermelon

Add soft tropical beauty and dramatic texture to your garden with the extraordinary blooms of Dinnerplate Penhill Watermelon Dahlia. This stunning variety produces enormous, loosely formed dinnerplate flowers with gracefully twisted and slightly ruffled petals in a beautiful blend of watermelon pink, coral, and soft peach tones. The unique, airy petal structure gives the blooms a delicate, artistic appearance that sets this variety apart from traditional dahlias.

Penhill Watermelon dahlias are beloved for their romantic coloring and impressive bloom size. The large flowers grow on tall, sturdy plants that produce abundant blooms from mid-summer until the first frost. These dahlias are especially popular in cutting gardens and floral arrangements, where their soft color palette and dramatic form create stunning bouquets. They also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.

Plant Details

Plant Type: Flowering Bulb (Tuber)
Flower Color: Watermelon pink, coral, and soft peach blend
Bloom Size: Extra-large dinnerplate blooms (8–10 inches or larger)
Plant Height: 40–48 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 mature 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 healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Support

• Because of the large blooms and tall plants, 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, Penhill Watermelon Dahlias will reward gardeners with spectacular oversized blooms featuring soft watermelon tones and beautifully textured petals, creating a dramatic and elegant highlight in summer gardens.