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Bulb
Asteraceae
Dahlia 'Strawberry Cream' (Dahlia)
*Dahlia pinnata*
Strawberry Cream produces decorative 10 cm (4 in) double flowers, creamy white streaked and washed with strawberry red, on an upright clump 100 cm (39 in) tall. Van Noort No. 1 tubers should be planted 10 cm (4 in) deep, in full sun, in fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Install support early, pinch the shoot, water deeply at the base, and remove spent flowers until frost. This decorative cultivar is suitable for beds, large pots, and bouquets. In Quebec, lift the tuber in autumn and store it in a cool, dry, and frost-free place. Its strawberry pink and cream florets enrich every arrangement. Its bloom renews generously from July until the first frosts.
- Quantity
- 1 tuber
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Hardy perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 10
Discover the plant
Common nameDahlia
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
TypeBulb
Botanical name*Dahlia pinnata*
Reproducible seedsYes
Dahlia ‘Strawberry Cream’ (Dahlia). Dahlia ‘Strawberry Cream’ (Dahlia) The ‘Strawberry Cream’ dahlia forms a bushy, upright clump about 100 cm (39 in) tall and 40 cm (16 in) wide. Its fully double, decorative flowers, about 10 cm (4 in) across, feature a creamy white background generously streaked, washed, or splashed with pink to strawberry red. The markings often become more intense near the center and can evolve with the age of each flower head, making the blooms subtly different. The dark green foliage highlights this fresh palette without making it harsh. From July until the first frost, the branched stems bear a succession of flowers suitable for borders, cutting gardens, and romantic bouquets.
Plant the No. 1 tuber after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up. Lay it 10 cm (4 in) deep, bud side up, in fertile, humiferous, loose, and freely draining soil. Allow 40 cm (16 in) around the crown, choose full sun, and protect the plant from strong winds. Water sparingly before sprouting, then deeply at the base when the surface dries. Pinch the shoot back to 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) to encourage branching. Incorporate mature compost and fertilize moderately, with more potassium as buds form. Avoid excess nitrogen and repeated shallow watering, which produce tender stems and a less resilient root system.
Pair ‘Strawberry Cream’ with white zinnias, chocolate cosmos, mauve salvias, and coppery grasses to highlight its strawberry pink streaks. Harvest stems when flower heads are almost open, early in the morning, then regularly remove faded flowers. Very double flowers offer little accessible pollen; so add single-flowered neighbors for beneficial insects. Watch for slugs, aphids, and spider mites, avoid wetting the foliage in the evening, and maintain generous air circulation. In Quebec, lift the tuber after the first frost, let its surface dry, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free place. Check it monthly until spring planting conditions return.
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Planting depth
10 cm (4 in)
Best planting time
Spring, when the ground is warm
Propagation
Division of tubers each bearing a viable bud
Growing method
After the last frost, loosen a sunny area to 12 in (30 cm) and incorporate mature compost. Place the tuber horizontally 4 in (10 cm) deep, bud side 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 moderately, favoring potassium at bud formation. 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 contrast of creamy white streaked and washed with strawberry red remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sun and regular feeding without excessive nitrogen. A stake installed early supports the 4 in (10 cm) flower heads after rain without compressing the stems or damaging active roots. Remove spent 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 dries. Avoid excessive nitrogen and repeated shallow watering, which produce tender stems and a less resilient root system. In Quebec, lift the tuber after the first frost, let its surface dry, and store it in the dark, in a cool, dry, and frost-free place.
Soil type
Opt for a humiferous soil that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Check the drainage after a rain: water must be able to leave the root zone. Work the soil when it is dry to avoid compacting it. Adapt amendments to its actual texture. In containers, use appropriate potting soil and a pot with drainage holes. Keep these openings clear and avoid any accumulation of water in the saucer.
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 dose and then water. Too much nitrogen produces tender stems and fewer flowers. The creamy white contrasted with strawberry red streaks and washes 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 emergence, avoid repeated watering. In early summer, pinch the shoot at 20 or 30 cm (8 to 12 in), tie 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 continuously remove faded flower heads. Monitor for slugs, aphids, earwigs, spider mites, and gray mold. After the first frost, cut the stems, gently lift the tuber, let its surface dry, label it Strawberry Cream, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, frost-free place. Check it monthly throughout winter. The contrast of creamy white striped and washed with strawberry red remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sun and regular feeding without excess nitrogen. A stake installed early supports the 10 cm (4 in) flower heads after rain without compressing the stems or damaging active roots. Remove faded flowers before seed formation so the clump directs its energy towards new buds until the first frost. Always water slowly at the base, then let the top layer breathe to maintain a balance between moisture, oxygen, and drainage. The creamy white striped and washed with strawberry red hues pair particularly well with blue, white, purple perennials, and light grasses.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
40 to 50 L capacity, deep and very stable
Container growing requires planning for the necessary root volume and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a suitable growing 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 the ground. Therefore, plan from the outset for a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate. Plant in spring when all risk of frost has passed and the soil is sufficiently warmed. Choose a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds, in fertile and well-drained soil. Arrange the tuberous roots with their crown and buds facing upwards, without breaking the fragile attachments. Install a stake at planting if support will be necessary, to avoid damaging the roots later. Water sparingly at the start, then adapt watering to foliage growth. Consistently soggy soil around the tubers should be avoided, especially before the appearance of the first shoots. 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
Creamy white streaked and washed with strawberry pink
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Lapsed
Growth rate
Quick
Bloom period
The large decorative flowers feature fresh pink petals with cream tips, creating a delicate and luminous effect. Its fully double, decorative flowers, about 10 cm (4 in) wide, show a cream-white background generously streaked, washed, or splashed with pink to strawberry red. The markings often become more intense near the heart and can evolve with the age of each flowerhead, making the flowers subtly different. From July to the first frost, the branching stems bear a succession of flowers suitable for beds, cutting gardens, and romantic bouquets.
Harvest
July to October. Pick the flowers when they are fully open to ensure the best vase life.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
To accompany Dahlia ‘Strawberry Cream,’ you might 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 sun exposure and water needs are suitable for the same location. Leave enough space so that leaves don't shade young shoots and to allow easy access to each plant for maintenance. These combinations are for creating the garden's aesthetic; 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 the Strawberry Cream dahlia?
Plant the tuber after the last frost, once the soil has warmed up and is no longer saturated. Lay it 10 cm (4 in.) deep, bud facing up, in fertile, humic, well-drained soil. Leave 40 cm (16 in.) around the crown and install a support immediately. In cold regions, start it in a pot four to six weeks earlier, then gradually acclimate the sprout before planting it out. Water very little before emergence to prevent rot, then increase watering once the roots and stems are active. Full sun develops strong stems and intensifies the purple-red and black contrast.
What colors do Strawberry Cream flowers have?
Strawberry Cream blooms do not all have exactly the same pattern. Their creamy white background can be lightly or heavily striped, washed, and splashed with pink to strawberry red, often with more color near the center. Temperature, light, the age of the flower head, and its position on the plant also influence the intensity observed. This variation is part of the cultivar's charm and does not mean the tuber is incorrect. Harvest blooms at various stages of opening to create a nuanced bouquet that showcases the full natural range of its bicolor patterns. Photograph a few successive flowers to keep a faithful record of this seasonal evolution.
How to support and make Strawberry Cream thrive?
Install a sturdy stake at planting to avoid damaging the roots later. Tie the stems with soft ties as they grow. Pinch back young growth to 20-30 cm (8-12 in) to encourage branching. Water deeply at the base when the surface is dry, then allow excess water to drain. Incorporate mature compost initially and then use a moderate fertilizer, richer in potassium, once buds begin to form. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which produces tender stems and abundant foliage. Regularly remove faded flowers so that energy is directed to the next buds until frost.
Can Strawberry Cream grow in a large pot?
Yes, choose a stable container of 40 to 50 L, deep, well-drained, and filled with rich but aerated potting soil. Plant a single tuber 10 cm (4 inches) deep and insert the support before the roots develop. Place the pot in full sun, protected from strong winds. 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 as soon as buds appear. Turn the container weekly, pinch back new growth, and remove faded flowers to maintain a balanced shape and generous blooming.
How to overwinter Strawberry Cream in Quebec?
After the first frost that blackens the foliage, cut back the stems, leaving a short section. 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 ventilated place, and clearly label it 'Strawberry Cream'. Store it in a cool, dark, dry, frost-free place, in a slightly insulating material that limits drying out without retaining water. Inspect it monthly. Remove only 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
The very double flowers limit access to pollen and nectar. Strawberry Cream contributes mostly ornamental value. To feed bees and butterflies, plant salvias, verbenas, echinaceas, or other single flowers rich in resources nearby. The streaked and washed strawberry-red cream-white contrast remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sun and regular feeding without excess nitrogen.
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