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Bulb
Asteraceae
Cactus Dahlia 'Bora Bora' (1 tuber)
Dahlia × pinnata
Dahlia cactus Bora Bora forms an upright clump 100 cm (39 in.) tall bearing 15 cm (6 in.) semi-cactus flowers. Its long, narrow florets open bright red then become yellow towards the center, while the outer edges curl under to produce a radiating effect. A single Van Noort No. 1 tuber is enough to create a warm focal point in a sunny bed, a large stable container, or a cutting garden. Fertile, well-drained soil, deep watering at the base, early support, and deadheading will maintain generous production from mid-summer until the first frost. Its tropical color contrasts sharply with blue blooms and.
- Quantity
- 1 tuber
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Hardy perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 10
Discover the plant
Common nameDahlia
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
TypeBulb
Botanical nameDahlia × pinnata
Reproducible seedsYes
Dahlia Cactus 'Bora Bora' (1 tuber) – A tropical burst in your garden! ?? Suggested by Van Noort
The Dahlia Cactus 'Bora Bora' is a true explosion of exotic colors , reminiscent of tropical sunsets. Its large, 18 cm (7") flowers , with their slender petals in vibrant yellow and intense red , add a spectacular touch to flowerbeds and arrangements. With its generous blooming from summer until the first frosts , this dahlia is ideal for brightening the garden and creating magnificent bouquets in flamboyant hues .
Variety characteristics
Height : 110 cm (44")
Flower size : 18 cm (7")
Exposure : Full sun
Hardiness : Not hardy (dig up the tubers before winter)
Resistance to deer : Low (can be nibbled!)
Water requirements : Medium (moist but well-drained soil)
Ideal soil : Loamy or sandy, acidic to neutral pH
Quantity : 1 tuber
Planting and cultivation of the 'Bora Bora' Dahlia
When to plant?
From March to May , after the last frosts.
Where should I plant it?
In open ground : Ideal for colorful flowerbeds and dynamic borders .
In pots : Suitable for large, well-drained planters.
How to plant?
1. Soak the tuber in water for a few hours before planting.
2?? Plant at a depth of 4 cm , spacing the plants 50 cm apart.
3?? Support the tall stems to prevent them from bending under the weight of the flowers.
4?? Water moderately , keeping the soil slightly moist.
Tip : Pair it with orange or pink dahlias for a sunny and warm atmosphere !
Dahlia 'Bora Bora' Care
Watering : Keep the soil slightly moist, especially during dry periods.
Fertilizer : Add a potassium-rich fertilizer every two weeks to stimulate flowering.
Size : Remove faded flowers to encourage new growth.
Wintering :
Dig up the tubers in the autumn , let them dry and store them in a cool, dry place.
Why choose the 'Bora Bora' Dahlia?
Vibrant and colorful blooms
These flowers are ideal for bouquets thanks to their long vase life.
A warm, tropical effect in the garden
Easy to grow and maintain
Add a touch of exoticism and warmth to your garden with the 'Bora Bora' Dahlia!
Pair with orange or red dahlias for a tropical paradise-like garden!
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Planting depth
10 cm (4 in)
Best planting time
Spring, when the ground is warmed
Propagation
Division of tubers, each bearing a viable bud
Growing method
After the last frost, loosen a sunny area 12 in (30 cm) deep and incorporate mature compost. Place the tuber horizontally 6 in (15 cm) deep, bud facing up, then leave 16 in (40 cm) around the crown. Backfill without compacting and only water if the soil becomes dry before emergence. Pinch the shoot 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm) above a pair of leaves. Immediately install a sturdy stake. When growth accelerates, water deeply at the base and fertilize sparingly, favoring potassium for the buds. Tie the stems with soft ties, harvest flowers when almost open, and remove spent flower heads. After the frost, cut back the stems, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, and store it in a cool, dry, frost-free place. The red and deep purplish-yellow contrast with a velvety texture remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and regular feeding without excess nitrogen. An early-installed stake supports the 6 in (15 cm) flower heads after rain without compressing the stems or damaging active roots. Remove faded flowers before seed formation so that the clump directs its energy towards new buds until the first frost.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
5 °C (41 °F)
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering. Reduce watering before autumn tuber lifting. Water sparingly before emergence, then deeply at the base when the surface begins to dry. Avoid standing water, excess nitrogen, and repeated watering on flower heads. In Quebec, after the first frost, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, label it, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free place until the following spring.
Soil type
Rich, loose, humus-rich and perfectly drained soil, remaining fresh without excess humidity. When the outer florets open, their edges curl under the lower face, creating a radiating effect reminiscent of a tropical sun. Tuber No. 1 Van Noort is suitable for sunny beds, large stable containers, and cutting gardens looking for a warm color and a starry silhouette. Plant it 10 cm (4 in) deep, bud up, in fertile, humus-rich, cool, and freely draining soil. Leave about 50 cm (20 in) around the crown and immediately install a sturdy support.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before planting. At the start, use a balanced formula low to moderate in nitrogen, then favor more potassium when buds appear. Follow the recommended dosage and then water. Too much nitrogen produces tender stems and fewer flowers. The deep purple-red and yellow contrast with velvety texture remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sun and regular feeding without excess nitrogen.
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the tuber, remove only rotten tissue, and plant after the last frost in warmed soil. Install support immediately. Until sprouting, avoid repeated watering. In early summer, pinch back the shoot to 20 or 30 cm (8 to 12 in), tie up new stems, and keep the soil moist without saturation. Once buds appear, fertilize moderately with more potassium. In summer, water deeply at the base during dry periods, harvest flowers when almost open, and continually remove faded flower heads. Monitor for slugs, aphids, earwigs, spider mites, and gray mold. After the first frost, cut back the stems, gently lift the tuber, let its surface dry, label it Bora Bora, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free place. Check it monthly during winter. The deep red and purplish-yellow contrast with a velvety texture remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and regular feeding without excess nitrogen. A stake installed early supports the 15 cm (6 in) flower heads after rain without compressing stems or damaging active roots. Remove faded flowers before seed formation so that the clump directs its energy towards new buds until the first frost. Always water slowly at the base, then allow the top layer to breathe to maintain a balance between moisture, oxygen, and drainage. The deep red and purplish-yellow shades with a velvety texture pair particularly well with blue, red, and yellow perennials, and light grasses.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Capacity of 40 to 50 L, deep and very stable
Container growing requires anticipating the necessary volume for the roots and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a suitable planting medium. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than crowding plants to immediately fill the pot. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the moisture, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than planting in open ground. Therefore, plan for a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate from the outset. Plant in spring when all risk of frost has passed and the soil is sufficiently warm. Choose a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds, in fertile, well-drained soil. Arrange the tuberous roots with their crown and buds facing upwards, without breaking fragile attachments. Install a stake at planting if support will be necessary, to avoid damaging the roots later. Water sparingly at the start, then adjust water intake to foliage growth. Consistently waterlogged soil around the tubers should be avoided, especially before the first shoots appear. Plan to bring storage organs indoors, away from frost, for the Quebec winter.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
100 cm (40 in)
Width / spread
40 cm (16 in.)
Flower color
Bright red fading to yellow toward the center
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Null and void
Growth rate
Quick
Bloom period
Cactus-type flowers feature long, tapering, bright pink petals with lighter tips, creating a spectacular star-like effect. Its semi-cactus flowers reach up to 15 cm (6 in) and unfurl long, narrow, bright red florets that are progressively yellow toward the center. The medium green foliage supports a succession of graphic flower heads from mid-summer until the first frost. Avoid standing water, excess nitrogen, and repeated watering on the flower heads. Harvest stems when flowers are almost open and regularly remove spent flower heads to prolong flowering.
Harvest
July to October. Pick the flowers when they are fully open for best vase life.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
To accompany your 'Bora Bora' dahlia cactus, consider cosmos, zinnias, or ornamental salvias. Choose companion varieties based on their height, flowering period, and the colors you wish to combine. Most importantly, ensure their light exposure and water requirements are suitable for the same location. Leave enough space so that leaves don't obscure young shoots and to allow easy access to each plant for maintenance. These plant combinations are for creating a garden display; they do not guarantee protection against pests or diseases. Adjust the layout after observing one growing season.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When to plant Dahlia Bora Bora?
Plant the tuber after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up and is no longer saturated. Place it 15 cm (6 in.) deep, bud facing upwards, in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Leave 40 cm (16 in.) around the crown and install a support immediately. In a cold region, start it in a pot four to six weeks earlier, then gradually acclimate the shoot before moving it outdoors. Water very little before sprouting to avoid rot, then increase watering once the roots and stems are active. Full sun develops strong stems and intensifies the purple-red and black contrast.
How big is Bora Bora?
Bora Bora can produce flower heads up to 15 cm (6 in.) when the plant gets full sun, fertile soil, deep watering, and balanced nutrition. To concentrate energy in one flower, keep the terminal bud of a stem and carefully remove the side buds. Install a sturdy stake before growth and loosely tie the stem. This technique reduces the total number of flowers; therefore, allow several other stems to branch normally if you also want to harvest bouquets throughout the season. Protect large flower heads from strong winds and prolonged rain. Check each tie after summer thunderstorms.
How to keep its red and yellow effect?
Install a sturdy stake at planting to avoid damaging the roots later. Tie the stems with soft ties as they grow. Pinch back the young shoot at 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) to encourage multiple branches. Water deeply at the base when the surface is dry, then allow excess water to drain. Incorporate mature compost initially, then use a moderate fertilizer, richer in potassium as buds form. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which produces tender stems and a lot of foliage. Regularly remove faded flowers so that energy is directed to subsequent buds until frost.
Can Bora Bora be grown in a pot?
Yes, choose a stable container of 40 to 50 L, deep, with good drainage, and filled with rich but aerated potting soil. Plant a single tuber 15 cm (6 in) deep and insert the support before the roots develop. Place the pot in full sun, protected from gusts of wind. Water sparingly before sprouting, then abundantly when the top layer dries, without leaving water in the saucer. Apply a moderate liquid fertilizer, richer in potassium once buds appear. Rotate the container weekly, pinch back new growth, and remove faded flowers to maintain a balanced shape and generous bloom.
How to overwinter tubers in Canada?
After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut back the stems, leaving a short stub. Lift the tuber with a fork, working far enough away so as not to damage it. Gently remove excess soil, let the surface dry in a well-ventilated area, and clearly label it Bora Bora. Store it in a dark, cool, dry, and frost-free place, in a slightly insulating material that limits drying out without retaining water. Inspect it monthly. Remove only the parts showing active rot and increase ventilation if condensation appears. Wait until after the last spring frost and for the soil to warm up before replanting.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Fully double flowers hide the disk and offer little accessible pollen. Near Bora Bora, add alyssum, sage, verbena, or simple cosmos to support bees, hoverflies, and butterflies throughout the season. Avoid pesticides on the flower heads and maintain a small source of clean water nearby.
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