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Tuber
Asteraceae
Giant Dahlia ‘Lady Darlene’ (Dahlia)
Dahlia × pinnata
Lady Darlene produces decorative, bicolored flowers, approximately 14 cm (6 in.) in diameter, of bright yellow and vivid red, atop an erect clump reaching 100 cm (39 in.) high. Its No. 1 Van Noort tuber should be planted 10 cm (4 in.) deep in full sun, in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Install a support early, pinch back shoots, water deeply at the base, and remove spent flowers until frost. This warm variety is suitable for beds, large pots, and bouquets. In Quebec, lift the tuber in the fall and store it in a cool, dry, frost-free place. Its variable flower heads create a bright accent that remains visible from a distance and combines easily with late-summer blooms.
- Quantity
- 1 tuber
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Tender perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 8
Discover the plant
Common nameGiant dahlia 'Lady Darlene'
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
TypeTuber
Botanical nameDahlia × pinnata
Giant Dahlia ‘Lady Darlene’ (Dahlia). Giant Dahlia ‘Lady Darlene’ (Dahlia) The giant dahlia ‘Lady Darlene’ attracts attention with its decorative two-tone flowers. Each flower head displays bright yellow florets, broadly washed with vivid red towards the tips and outlined with a fine red border. This irregular distribution makes each flower slightly different. Van Noort’s No1 tuber produces an upright clump about 100 cm (39 in) high and 50 cm (20 in) wide, adorned with green foliage. Flowering renews in summer and autumn until the first frost. Despite its commercial classification as Dinnerplate, the international register describes flowers that can reach about 14 cm (6 in).
Their warm color enlivens sunny beds, cutting gardens, and large containers. Plant ‘Lady Darlene’ in spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up. Lay the tuber 10 cm (4 in) deep, bud side up, in fertile, humus-rich, moist, and freely draining soil. Allow 50 cm (20 in) around the crown and choose a location in full sun, protected from strong winds. Place a stake at planting time to support the stems when the flowers are heavy with rain. Water sparingly before sprouting, then deeply at the base when the surface is dry. Pinch back young shoots when they reach 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) to encourage branching.
Mature compost and moderate fertilization, richer in potassium at the bud stage, support regular flowering without excessive tender foliage. Combine ‘Lady Darlene’ with violet-blue salvias, cream zinnias, chocolate cosmos, and coppery grasses to highlight its yellow and red petals. Harvest stems when flowers are almost open, early in the morning, then continuously remove faded flower heads to stimulate subsequent buds. For a large flower, keep the terminal bud and remove lateral buds; for more stems, allow natural branching. 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.
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Planting depth
10 cm (4 in)
Best planting time
Spring, when the ground has warmed
Propagation
Division of tubers, each with a viable bud
Growing method
After the last frost, loosen a sunny area to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm) and incorporate mature compost. Lay the tuber horizontally 4 inches (10 cm) deep, bud side up, then leave 20 inches (50 cm) of space around the crown. Backfill gently without compacting, and water only if the soil becomes dry before emergence. Pinch the shoot 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) above a pair of leaves. Immediately install a sturdy stake. As growth accelerates, water deeply at the base and fertilize sparingly, favoring potassium for buds. Tie stems with soft ties, harvest flowers when almost open, and remove spent flower heads. After the frost, cut the stems, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, and store it in a cool, dry, frost-free place. The bright yellow and vivid red contrast remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and regular feeding without excessive nitrogen. An early-installed stake supports the 6-inch (14 cm) flower heads after rain without compressing stems or damaging active roots. Remove spent flowers before seed formation so the plant 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
Easy
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season without creating standing water. An organic mulch reduces evaporation and helps maintain constant moisture. Water lightly before sprouting, then deeply at the base when the surface is dry. In Quebec, after the first frost, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, label it, and store it in the dark, cool, dry, and frost-free until the following spring.
Soil type
Opt for humus-rich soil that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain away. Check drainage after 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 water accumulation in the saucer.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before planting. At the start, use a balanced formula with low to moderate nitrogen, then favor more potassium when buds appear. Follow the indicated dosage and water afterward. Too much nitrogen produces tender stems and fewer flowers. The bright yellow and vivid red contrast remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and regular feeding without excess nitrogen.
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the tuber, remove only rotten tissues and plant after the last frost in warmed soil. Install support immediately. Until emergence, avoid repeated watering. In early summer, pinch the shoot to 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm), tie new stems, and keep the soil moist but not saturated. As soon as buds appear, fertilize moderately with more potassium. In summer, water deeply at the base during dry periods, harvest nearly open flowers, and continuously remove faded flower heads. Monitor for slugs, aphids, earwigs, spider mites, and gray mold. After the first frost, cut the stems, carefully lift the tuber, let its surface dry, label it Lady Darlene, and store it in a dark, cool, dry, and frost-free place. Check it monthly during winter. The bright yellow and vivid red contrast remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sun and regular feeding without excess nitrogen. An early-installed stake supports the 6-inch (14 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. Always water slowly at the base, then let the top layer breathe to maintain a balance between moisture, oxygen, and drainage. The bright yellow and vivid red hues combine particularly well with blue, white, purple perennials and light grasses.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
40 to 50 L container, deep and very stable
Container gardening requires you to plan for the necessary volume for the roots and the final height of the plant. 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 the plants to fill the pot immediately. 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 for a wintering location from the outset that is compatible with the needs of this plant and the climate of your region. 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 time if support will be needed, to avoid damaging the roots later. Water sparingly at the start, then adapt the water supply to the foliage growth. Constantly soggy 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
120 cm (48 in)
Width / spread
50 cm (20 in)
Flower color
Bright yellow broadly washed with bright red
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Null and void
Growth rate
Quick
Bloom period
Abundant flowering of very large, decorative, bright yellow flowers edged with orange-red, from July until the first frosts. The flowers are very popular for bouquets and attract pollinating insects. Giant Dahlia ‘Lady Darlene’ (Dahlia ‘Lady Darlene’) The giant dahlia ‘Lady Darlene’ catches the eye with its two-tone decorative flowers. Each flower head displays bright yellow florets, broadly washed with vivid red towards the tip and edged with a fine red border. Despite its commercial classification as Dinnerplate, the international register describes flowers that can reach approximately 14 cm (6 in).
Harvest
July to October. Harvest the flowers early in the morning when the flower heads are fully open to ensure excellent vase life. Continue to deadhead spent blooms to prolong production.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
To accompany Dahlia ‘Lady Darlene’, you could consider cosmos, zinnias, or ornamental salvias. Choose companion varieties according to their height, flowering period, and the colors you wish to combine. Above all, ensure that their exposure and water requirements suit the same location. Keep enough distance so that the leaves do not shade out young shoots and to easily access each plant during maintenance. These associations are for garden aesthetics; 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 dahlia Lady Darlene?
Plant the tuber after the last frost, when the soil has warmed and is no longer saturated. Lay it 10 cm (4 in.) deep, bud facing upwards, in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Leave 50 cm (20 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 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 yellow and red contrast.
What colors are Lady Darlene's flowers?
Lady Darlene produces bright yellow florets, widely colored with vivid red towards the tip and edged with a thin red border. The proportion of red varies from one petal and one flower head to another, creating a lively pattern rather than a perfectly uniform band. The international register mentions flowers reaching approximately 14 cm (6 in), while Van Noort classifies the variety as Dinnerplate. Abundant light helps the stems remain firm and makes the contrast sharper. However, avoid wetting the flowers when watering: water trapped between the petals can mark the colors and encourage gray mold in cool weather.
How can we support Lady Darlene and help her flourish?
Install a sturdy stake at planting to avoid damaging roots later. Tie the stems with flexible ties as they grow. Pinch the young shoot at about 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 and then use a moderate fertilizer, richer in potassium once buds form. Avoid excess 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 Lady Darlene 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 gusts of wind. Water sparingly before sprouting, then abundantly when the top layer dries, without leaving water in the saucer. Apply moderate liquid fertilization, richer in potassium from the moment 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 Lady Darlene in Quebec?
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 to avoid damaging it. Gently remove excess soil, allow the surface to dry in a ventilated area, and clearly label it Lady Darlene. 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. Only remove parts showing active rot and increase ventilation if condensation appears. Wait until the last spring frost and warm soil before replanting.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
The very double florets limit access to pollen and nectar. Lady Darlene contributes mainly for its ornamental value. To feed bees and butterflies, plant sages, verbenas, echinaceas, or other resource-rich single flowers nearby. The bright yellow and vivid red contrast remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and regular feeding without excess nitrogen.
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