The Story
Plant Bio
Dahlia coccinea is a tuberous perennial known for its vibrant orange flowers and lush foliage. It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
This species is particularly noted for its exceptional drought tolerance compared to other dahlia species.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
48 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Tender perennial, hardy in zones 8-11
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Mildly toxic to pets
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or tubers into well-draining soil in early spring
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not saturated
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season
- Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth
- Stake taller varieties to support heavy blooms, especially in mid-summer
- Divide tubers in early spring or fall for propagation
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil for best blooms
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent tuber rot ❌
- Don’t forget to mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds ❌
- Avoid planting in heavy, poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Red Dahlia questions
What zones can Red Dahlia grow in?
Red 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 Red Dahlia deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Red Dahlia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Red Dahlia bloom?
Red Dahlia typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Red Dahlia need full sun?
Red Dahlia does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Dahlia to compare
Dahlia
Dahlia variabilis
Dinnerplate Cutting Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Dinnerplate Cutting Blend'
Hart Dahlia
Dahlia variabilis 'Hart'
Dahlia Mix
Dahlia x hybrida 'Mix'
Babette Giant Ball Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Babette Giant Ball'
Lady Darlene Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Lady Darlene'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Red 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.