Dahlia 'Babylon Red'

Babylon Red Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata ‘Babylon Red’) is a spectacular tuberous perennial prized for its enormous scarlet-red, fully double dinner plate flowers. Their intense colour and impressive size create a dramatic focal point above broad, vigorous, dark green foliage. Blooming generously from July through October, the plant reaches approximately 100 to 120 cm (39 to 47 in) tall. This fast-growing variety brings bold colour, height, and presence to summer landscapes. Not hardy in Canada, it should be overwintered in a frost-free location.

Plant the tuber in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed, approximately 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) deep. Choose a full-sun location with rich, loose, humus-rich, consistently moist, and well-drained soil, spacing plants 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) apart. Install a sturdy stake at planting time to support the stems once they are carrying their large flowers. Water regularly without allowing the soil to become waterlogged, and fertilize every two to three weeks with a fertilizer high in potassium. Lift the tubers before the first autumn frost and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free location.

Babylon Red Dahlia is ideal for large garden beds, sunny borders, generous containers, and cut flower gardens. Pair it with ornamental grasses, Verbena bonariensis, salvias, and cosmos to create dynamic summer displays where its fiery flowers command attention. Harvested when fully open, its enormous blooms have excellent vase life and create especially impressive large-scale arrangements. The flowers also attract bees, butterflies, and many other pollinating insects. Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous bud production until the first frost.