perennial

Hidalgo Crimson Dahlia

Dahlia coccinea 'Hidalgo Crimson'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dahlia coccinea, known as Scarlet Dahlia, is a perennial tuberous plant with tall, branching stems, vibrant scarlet-red, daisy-like flowers, and finely divided, dark green foliage.

This cultivar is distinguished by its striking, large, vivid crimson flowers that bloom freely from summer to fall, making it a standout in floral displays and garden borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesStriking red blooms add vibrant color to gardens and containers, attracting admiration.
Practical UsesProvides a long-lasting flower display during peak summer months.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like insects and hummingbirds, enhancing garden biodiversity.
SpeciesDahlia coccineaRed Dahlia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial in suitable zones

Native To

Central America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to dogs and cats

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  2. Tuck tubers 4 inches deep in early spring after last frost.
  3. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
  4. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with balanced fertilizer.
  5. Stake tall varieties to support stems during peak bloom.
  6. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent tuber rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Tuck seeds or tubers into well-drained soil 🌱
  • Mist cuttings to maintain humidity 🌱
  • Prune dead or damaged stems to promote healthy growth 🌱
  • Apply fertilizer monthly during active growth 🌱
  • Mulch around plants to retain moisture 🌱

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
  • Don’t plant in poorly drained soil ❌
  • Refrain from excessive fertilizing late in the season ❌
  • Don’t forget to stake tall plants ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Lift Store
Pinch
Plant
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid border with striking red flowersBright container displayColorful garden beds

Companion Plants

Marigolds Petunias SalviaZinnias Cosmos

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hidalgo Crimson Dahlia questions

What zones can Hidalgo Crimson Dahlia grow in?

Hidalgo Crimson 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 Hidalgo Crimson Dahlia deer resistant?

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

When does Hidalgo Crimson Dahlia bloom?

Hidalgo Crimson 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 Hidalgo Crimson Dahlia need full sun?

Hidalgo Crimson Dahlia does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Keep exploring

Grow Hidalgo Crimson 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.