perennial

Crème de Cassis Dahlia

Dahlia x hortensis 'Crme de Cassis'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dahlia 'Creme de Cassis' is a waterlily-type dahlia with bicolored blooms. The inner petals are a rich raspberry-wine color, while the outer petals are a contrasting pale lilac-pink.

Notable for its unique 'raspberry ripple' coloration on waterlily-shaped flowers. The blooms are about 4-6 inches across on long stems, excellent for cutting.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesDahlias provide vibrant, eye-catching flowers perfect for adding color to garden borders and containers. Their diverse forms and colors create stunning visual displays.
Practical UsesDahlias attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems. They also serve as cut flowers for floral arrangements.
Ecological BenefitsTheir nectar supports beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in garden habitats.
SpeciesDahlia x hortensisGarden Dahlia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

40 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Tender Perennial

Native To

Mexico

Toxicity

Toxic to pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
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N
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck tubers into well-draining soil in early spring after the last frost.
  2. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the tubers.
  3. Mist cuttings or plant seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date for early blooms.
  4. Transplant outdoors once danger of frost has passed and soil warms up.
  5. Regularly water and fertilize during the growing season for vibrant blooms.
  6. Pinch back early growth to encourage bushier plants and more flowers.

Pro Tip

Use organic compost to enrich soil and promote healthy, prolific blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
  • Provide full sun for optimal flowering
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly
  • Stake taller varieties to prevent wind damage

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent tuber rot ❌
  • Do not neglect staking tall plants
  • Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
  • Refrain from excessive fertilization which can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers
  • Do not disturb tubers during the flowering season

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

Vivid flower bordersColorful container displaysDramatic focal points in garden beds

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crème de Cassis Dahlia questions

What zones can Crème de Cassis Dahlia grow in?

Crème de Cassis 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 Crème de Cassis Dahlia deer resistant?

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

When does Crème de Cassis Dahlia bloom?

Crème de Cassis Dahlia typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Crème de Cassis Dahlia need full sun?

Crème de Cassis Dahlia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Crème de Cassis 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.