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Dormant tuber
Asteraceae
Rose-pink Dinnerplate dahlia with twisted petals
Giant ‘Islander’ Dahlia (Dahlia ‘Islander’)
Product code : VAN-327-411-90
Islander produces 25 cm rich rose-pink Dinnerplate flowers with long slightly twisted, tousled petals. Its No1 tuber forms an upright clump approximately 75 cm tall and 50 cm wide according to Van Noort. Plant it 10 cm deep in full sun and fertile, humus-rich, fresh drained soil. Support installed early, deep watering at the base, and regular deadheading sustain flowering from midsummer until frost. This dahlia suits borders, large containers, and arrangements. In Canada, lift the tuber after frost and store it somewhere cool, dry, and frost-free through winter. Its sculptural petals bring generous movement, refined colour, and unmistakable presence to sunny summer planting schemes.
- Quantity
- 1 No1 tuber
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual under Quebec conditions
- Hardiness
- Zone 8; lift the tuber in colder regions
Discover the plant
Common nameGiant Islander dahlia
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
SpeciesGarden hybrid of Dinnerplate type
CultivarIslander
TypeDormant tuber
Botanical nameDahlia
Giant ‘Islander’ Dahlia (Dahlia ‘Islander’) ‘Islander’ is a Dinnerplate dahlia with large rich rose-pink double flowers reaching 25 cm. Long slightly twisted irregular petals create a soft tousled and highly expressive outline. Each No1 tuber forms an upright clump approximately 75 cm tall and 50 cm wide according to Van Noort commercial specifications, with dark stems and green foliage. From midsummer until the first frost, blooms repeat on stems suited to cutting. This generous flower brings romantic presence to borders, cottage gardens, large containers, and arrangements. Its flowing petal form creates movement even when the flower is viewed from a distance.
Plant the tuber in spring after the final frost when soil has warmed. Lay it horizontally 10 cm deep with its bud facing upward in fertile, humus-rich soil that stays fresh yet drains perfectly. Choose full sun and leave 50 cm around the crown. Install sturdy support at planting to hold 25 cm flowers without injuring roots later. Water sparingly before emergence, then deeply at the base whenever the surface dries. Pinch the shoot at 20 or 30 cm to encourage branching. Add compost and feed moderately with fertilizer richer in potassium from bud formation. Keep foliage dry during irrigation and maintain open airflow around the clump.
Place ‘Islander’ in the middle of a border or beside a cutting-garden path where its twisted petals can be viewed closely. Pair rich rose pink with white gauras, blue salvias, purple verbenas, silver artemisias, and purple grasses. Harvest nearly open stems early in the morning and continuously remove faded flowers. For one exceptional bloom, retain the central bud and remove side buds; for more stems, preserve natural branching. Highly double flowers offer limited pollinator access. In Canada, after frost, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, and store it somewhere cool, dry, dark, and frost-free until spring.
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Planting depth
10 cm (4 in)
Spacing / density
50 cm (20 in) between plants
Best planting time
May to early June once soil is warm
Propagation
Division of a tuber carrying a viable bud
Growing method
After the final frost, loosen sunny soil to 30 cm and incorporate mature compost. Lay the tuber horizontally 10 cm deep with its bud upward, keeping 50 cm around the clump. Close without compacting and water sparingly before emergence to prevent rot. When shoots reach 20 to 30 cm, pinch above a leaf pair to encourage branching. Install a discreet stake or ring immediately. Water deeply at the base whenever the surface dries and apply fertilizer moderate in nitrogen and richer in potassium from bud formation. Tie stems with soft material. Remove faded flowers until frost. Once foliage blackens, cut, lift, dry, and store the tuber away from frost. Islander is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double rich rose pink flowers. Broad gently curved petals create full, balanced flowerheads with refined texture. The upright clump reaches about one metre and benefits from discreet staking in windy places. Full sun and fertile humus-rich fresh drained soil support sturdy stems. Feeding moderate in nitrogen and richer in potassium accompanies bud formation. Pinching branches young shoots and removing faded flowerheads extends flowering. In Quebec, the tuber must be lifted after frost and stored somewhere cool and frost-free.
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
Before emergence, water only when soil becomes distinctly dry. Once stems establish, apply water deeply at the base whenever the surface begins drying, especially during bud development and heat. Let drainage work between applications. Avoid wetting double flowers and foliage in the evening because prolonged moisture favours spotting and grey mould. Islander is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double rich rose pink flowers.
Soil type
Prepare fertile, humus-rich, loose, freely drained loam retaining even freshness during growth. Mature compost improves structure and supplies gentle reserves. On heavy soil, raise the planting slightly and incorporate coarse mineral material. Avoid hollows where water stands around the tuber, constantly wet substrates, and very dry ground that weakens stems and buds. Islander is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double rich rose pink flowers.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before planting. From active growth, use balanced fertilizer low to moderate in nitrogen, then favour a potassium-richer formula as buds form. Follow labelled rates and water afterward. Excess nitrogen produces soft stems, abundant leaves, and fewer flowers. Stop feeding several weeks before autumn lifting. Islander is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double rich rose pink flowers. Broad gently curved petals create full, balanced flowerheads with refined texture.
Moisture
Maintain even soil moisture without saturation during active growth. Large double flowers become heavy after rain; good air circulation, 50 cm spacing, and support reduce breakage and slow drying. Never let thick mulch touch the crown. During storage, keep a cool dry atmosphere that prevents both extreme shrivelling and rot. Islander is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double rich rose pink flowers.
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the tuber, prepare soil, plant after frost, and install support before stems become fragile. Pinch young shoots to branch the clump. In summer, water deeply, tie with soft material, feed moderately, and remove faded flowers regularly. Harvest stems early in the morning using clean tools. Monitor slugs, aphids, earwigs, spider mites, and mould without needlessly treating neighbouring flowers. In autumn, wait until frost blackens foliage, cut stems to 10 or 25 cm, lift the tuber without injury, and let its surface dry. Label Islander clearly. In winter, store it somewhere cool, dry, dark, and frost-free. Inspect monthly, remove soft tissue, and prevent both condensation and complete desiccation. Islander is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double rich rose pink flowers. Broad gently curved petals create full, balanced flowerheads with refined texture. The upright clump reaches about one metre and benefits from discreet staking in windy places. Full sun and fertile humus-rich fresh drained soil support sturdy stems. Feeding moderate in nitrogen and richer in potassium accompanies bud formation. Pinching branches young shoots and removing faded flowerheads extends flowering. In Quebec, the tuber must be lifted after frost and stored somewhere cool and frost-free. Double flowers suit arrangements and borders but provide little food for pollinators. Water deeply at the base when the surface dries without saturating the crown.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 45 cm wide and deep
Use a stable container at least 45 cm wide and deep with numerous holes. Fill it with rich potting mix amended with compost and drainage material. Set one tuber 10 cm below the surface and immediately install a central stake or discreet cage. Keep the pot in full sun protected from strong wind. Water deeply whenever the upper centimetres dry and always empty the saucer. Feed moderately during growth, then emphasize potassium from bud formation. Pinch young shoots and remove faded flowers. Rotate the container regularly for balanced growth. After the first frost, cut stems, let the mix dry slightly, and remove the tuber for cool dry frost-free storage until spring. Islander is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double rich rose pink flowers. Broad gently curved petals create full, balanced flowerheads with refined texture. The upright clump reaches about one metre and benefits from discreet staking in windy places. Full sun and fertile humus-rich fresh drained soil support sturdy stems. Feeding moderate in nitrogen and richer in potassium accompanies bud formation. Pinching branches young shoots and removing faded flowerheads extends flowering. In Quebec, the tuber must be lifted after frost and stored somewhere cool and frost-free.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
75 cm (30 in)
Width / spread
50 cm (20 in)
Flower color
Rich rose pink
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous after frost
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Tall upright clump
Bloom period
Fully double Islander flowers are very large and repeat from midsummer until the first frost. Broad rich rose pink petals form full, balanced, luminous Dinnerplate blooms. Cut faded flowerheads above a leaf pair to renew buds. Support and good airflow protect this delicate texture after rainfall. Islander is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double rich rose pink flowers. This attention preserves vigour and the quality of its large rich rose pink flowers.
Harvest
July to October. Harvest flowers in the early morning to prolong their vase life. Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair Islander with blue salvias, purple verbenas, white gauras, chocolate cosmos, sweet alyssum, and pink grasses sharing sun and drained soil. Airy silhouettes and simple flowers highlight giant Dinnerplate flowerheads while providing insects with more accessible resources. Keep 50 cm around the tuber and avoid highly aggressive roots or plants requiring constantly dry ground. Islander is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double rich rose pink flowers. Broad gently curved petals create full, balanced flowerheads with refined texture. This attention preserves vigour and the quality of its large rich rose pink flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should Islander dahlia be planted?
Plant Islander in spring after the final frost when soil has warmed and no longer remains saturated. Lay the tuber horizontally 10 cm deep with its bud upward, keeping 50 cm clear around the crown. In cold regions, starting it indoors in a pot four to six weeks earlier advances growth, but acclimate the plant gradually before moving it outside. Water very sparingly before emergence to prevent rot, then increase moisture as shoots and roots become active. Immediately install sturdy support to protect future 25 cm flowers. A light organic mulch then helps retain even moisture without covering or suffocating the crown during active summer growth.
Why do the petals look tousled?
Islander’s flowing outline is a cultivar trait. Long petals are slightly twisted and arranged informally, creating a tousled double flower rather than a perfectly regular form. This characteristic indicates neither damage nor insufficient water. Good light, deep watering at the base, and moderate feeding allow blooms to develop completely. Maintain good airflow and avoid constantly wetting flowerheads because numerous petals retain moisture after rain. Early support also prevents giant flowers from resting against damp foliage and helps preserve their expressive shape. This naturally irregular architecture is precisely the prized visual character of this giant cultivar and should not be mistaken for damage.
Is Islander suitable for arrangements?
Yes. Large rich rose-pink flowers bring volume, movement, and romance to arrangements. Cut stems early in the morning when flowerheads are nearly open because dahlias develop little after harvest. Use a clean tool, remove leaves that would sit in water, and immediately place stems in a cool bucket. Refresh vase water and recut ends regularly. Pair Islander with white, blue, purple, and silver foliage. Frequent harvesting combined with removing faded flowers prevents seed formation and encourages new buds until frost. Refresh the water daily and trim the stem ends lightly to extend vase life while preserving the bloom’s expressive silhouette.
Can Islander be grown in a container?
Yes, choose a stable container at least 45 cm wide and deep with large drainage holes. Fill it with fertile airy mix, plant the tuber 10 cm deep, and immediately install sturdy support. Keep the pot in full sun, water deeply when the upper few centimetres dry, and always empty its saucer. Feed moderately, pinch the shoot, and remove faded flowers. Protect 25 cm blooms from strong wind. After frost, remove the tuber and store it somewhere cool, dry, dark, and frost-free. Rotate the container weekly so growth remains balanced and the immense flowers can be admired clearly from every side.
How should Islander be overwintered in Canada?
After the first frost blackens foliage, cut stems to 10 or 15 cm. Lift widely around the crown with a fork to avoid injuring tuberous roots, gently remove loose soil, and let the surface dry in a sheltered place. Store the labelled tuber in lightly insulating material somewhere cool, dry, dark, and frost-free. Inspect it monthly, remove any soft section with a clean tool, and increase ventilation if condensation appears. Replant only after frost risk has passed and the soil has warmed. Inspect stored tubers monthly, maintaining gentle ventilation and removing only tissue that shows active rot before it spreads. through neighbouring sections.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Fully double Islander flowers hide nearly all of their disc and therefore offer little accessible pollen or nectar. Their value is mainly ornamental. Support wildlife by pairing this dahlia with salvias, sweet alyssum, verbenas, and other simple flowers, avoiding insecticides, providing shallow clean water, and maintaining several flowering periods in the border. Islander is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double rich rose pink flowers.
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