Species

Dahlia pinnataPinnate Dahlia

34 other cultivars

perennial

Mingus Alex Dahlia

Dahlia pinnata 'Mingus Alex'

The Story

Plant Bio

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

'Mingus Alex' is a fimbriated dahlia, producing large, decorative blooms with laciniated (split) petal tips. The flowers are a rich lavender-purple, often with lighter, frosted edges.

Uses & Benefits:

Vivid, large blooms make dahlias a favorite for floral arrangements and garden displays.

Easy to grow with proper care, dahlias provide continuous color throughout summer.

Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.

SpeciesDahlia pinnataPinnate Dahlia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

54 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial in suitable zones

Native To

Central America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans, toxic to pets if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck tubers 2-3 inches deep in well-drained soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy during the growing season.
Pinch back young shoots to encourage bushier growth after planting.
Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage, especially in late summer.
Fertilize with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growth.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming throughout summer.

Pro Tip

Plant dahlias in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist 💧
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds 🌱
Stake tall dahlias to support heavy blooms
Remove dead or yellowing leaves to prevent disease
Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks

Don't

Overwater, which can cause tuber rot ❌
Allow soil to dry out completely between watering
Neglect staking, leading to broken stems
Use high-nitrogen fertilizer that promotes foliage over flowers ❌
Plant in poorly drained soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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

Vibrant floral borderColorful container displayBright cut flowers in bouquets

Companion Plants

Marigolds Zinnias Salvia CosmosBasil

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mingus Alex Dahlia questions

What zones can Mingus Alex Dahlia grow in?

Mingus Alex 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 Mingus Alex Dahlia deer resistant?

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

When does Mingus Alex Dahlia bloom?

Mingus Alex 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 Mingus Alex Dahlia need full sun?

Mingus Alex Dahlia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.