Dahlia Sir Alfred Ramsey Dinner Plate Dahlia Bulb

Plant Dahlia Sir Alfred Ramsey Dinner Plate Dahlia as the frost recedes in early spring, post-frost threat, and from the warm days of midsummer to the cool embrace of late autumn, this dinner plate dahlia graces the garden with enormous 10-inch fully double flowers with a golden center and layers and layers of symmetrically arranged broad, flat to slightly curled lavender petals. Supported by robust, resilient stems that stand up straight, even in rain, the nectar- and pollen-rich blooms beckon bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds alike to the garden for months. These enduring blossoms serve as exquisite cuts for late-season bouquets and floral arrangements. Cultivating more blooms with each cut, these dahlias proliferate generously.

Sir Alfred Ramsey is a hybrid Dahlia, also known as a dinner plate dahlia. The plant forms a dense clump and stands with a proud, upright posture. Whether nestled in a container, making a statement in beds and borders, or massed for dramatic effect, dahlia enhances any style of garden.

Dahlia grows best under the generous rays of the sun or in part shade, shielded from gusty winds, in soil rich with organic matter, well-aerated and draining. But dahlia adapts to a variety of soils—from clay to sandy loam, acid to alkaline—and in hot summer climates, a speckle of shade may be welcome. Moisture is a crucial element in the care of dahlias; a balance that must not tip towards drought during the growing season. Pruning the tips can foster a denser growth, while removing faded flowers spurs further blooming. Dahlia is not deemed safe for pets.

NOTE: In Zones 3-7, the bulbs will need to be lifted before the first frost and overwintered inside. However, dahlias can be grown as annuals in all Zones.