perennial

Lauren Michele Dahlia

Dahlia variabilis 'Lauren Michele'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dahlias are tuberous, herbaceous perennials native to Mexico and Central America. They are prized for their incredibly diverse flower forms, sizes, and colors, blooming prolifically from mid-summer until the first frost.

'Lauren Michele' is a waterlily-type dahlia featuring 4-6 inch blooms with delicate lavender-pink petals that curve towards a creamy yellow center. It is a vigorous grower on long, strong stems, making it an excellent cut flower.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesDahlia Lauren Michele offers vibrant, long-lasting blooms perfect for adding color and focal points to gardens and containers.
Practical UsesProvides cut flowers for indoor arrangements, extending garden beauty indoors.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies when in bloom.
SpeciesDahlia variabilisDahlia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

48 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial in USDA zones 8-10; tubers must be lifted in colder zones.

Native To

Mexico, Central America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to cats and dogs.

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil to plant Dahlia variabilis Lauren Michele.
  2. Tuck tubers 4-6 inches deep in spring after the last frost for optimal growth.
  3. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during blooming season.
  4. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer to promote vibrant blooms.
  5. Pinch back early growth to encourage bushier plants and more flowers.
  6. Divide tubers every 2-3 years in early spring to maintain plant health.

Pro Tip

Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring lush blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
  • Stake tall varieties to prevent toppling
  • Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent tuber rot ❌
  • Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
  • Refrain from pruning in late fall to protect overwintering tubers
  • Don’t forget to dig up tubers in colder zones

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Harvest
Lift Store
Pinch
Plant
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright flower borders with vibrant, eye-catching bloomsColorful container plant for patios and decksFocal points in mixed perennial beds

Companion Plants

Marigolds Zinnias SalviaCosmosPetunias

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lauren Michele Dahlia questions

What zones can Lauren Michele Dahlia grow in?

Lauren Michele Dahlia is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lauren Michele Dahlia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Lauren Michele Dahlia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Lauren Michele Dahlia bloom?

Lauren Michele Dahlia typically blooms in summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lauren Michele Dahlia need full sun?

Lauren Michele Dahlia does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Keep exploring

Grow Lauren Michele Dahlia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.