Small Blooming Dwarf Dahlias: Seven Stunning Varieties Perfect for Potted Plants and Compact Green Spaces
Mary Ellen Ellis, a seasoned gardener with over 20 years of experience, specializes in flowers, native plants, and herbs. One of her favourite picks for container gardens is the dahlia, a vibrant and diverse bloom that comes in all shapes and sizes.
One such series of compact dahlias is 'Happy Days', which offers several colour options, including pink, yellow, purple, red, lemon yellow, and red combined with orange. These unique dahlias boast nearly black foliage and single-petalled flowers that grow up to 20 inches tall.
For those seeking a more manageable size, dwarf or small-sized cultivars are the ideal choice. Some exceptional options include 'Sunshine', 'Stacy Rachelle', 'Scura', and a dwarf mix.
'Sunshine' is a standout variety, growing up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall, with striking deep yellow flowers that feature orange petal bases. These blooms last for up to four weeks, making them perfect for container gardening and attracting pollinators.
'Stacy Rachelle', on the other hand, is very compact at about 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Its dense, ball-type pinkish-purple flowers on sturdy stems are great for very small pots or container spaces.
'Scura' is a dwarf variety that stands about 1 foot (30 cm) tall, showcasing small, elegant deep orange single flowers. This variety is both colourful and well-suited for containers and small gardens.
Another option for white dahlias is 'Dalina Grande Lopez', which reaches 18 inches tall and is suitable for containers. For those who prefer a cactus-type dahlia, 'Pianella' offers reddish-pink petals with white edging on the tips, growing between 18 and 24 inches tall.
'Omo' is a short, pure white dahlia, growing up to 16 inches tall with single petals and a yellow center. 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' is another dwarf dahlia variety, growing up to two feet tall with a bushy growth habit. Its flowers are collarette type, with deep pink outer petals streaked with white, solid white inner petals, and a yellow center.
When planting dahlias in containers, ensure they receive ample sunlight to maximize bloom production. Companion plants like sweet alyssum or cosmos can complement dahlias aesthetically and help create a fuller container display, although this is optional.
It's worth noting that dahlias are tuberous perennials native to Mexico and Central America. 'Scura' is an all-around dwarf dahlia, with a short height (one foot or 30cm) and a small flower (one inch or 2.5cm across).
Amy Draiss, the Digital Community Manager, also appreciates the beauty and versatility of dahlias in her gardening endeavours. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, compact dahlias make a brilliant addition to any full sun container garden.
Incorporating dahlias into a container garden can elevate one's lifestyle, offering a wide range of colors such as 'Happy Days', 'Sunshine', 'Stacy Rachelle', 'Scura', 'Dalina Grande Lopez', 'Pianella', 'Omo', and 'Yankee Doodle Dandy'. These compact dahlias are also excellent choices for those with a fascination for fashion-and-beauty as they add a touch of elegance to home-and-garden spaces, especially when combined with companion plants like sweet alyssum or cosmos.
