Formal Decorative Dahlia | Burnt Orange to Rosy Pink
Dahlia 'Iced Tea' is a bold formal decorative variety that blends fiery tones of pinkish-red and burnt orange, creating a warm and dynamic colour display in the garden. Its large, sculpted blooms are held on strong stems, making it perfect for cut flower arrangements and standout summer borders. With a long flowering season and reliable performance, 'Iced Tea' will bring structure and brightness from mid-summer right through to the first frost.
Tuber Count: 1
Plant Height: 120cm
Plant Type: Tender perennial
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Blooms: Summer to First Frost
Plant Spacing: 45cm
Plant Staking: Yes, due to plant height
Dahlias are shipped as single tubers with a minimum of one eye guaranteed. If you are not able to plant the tubers upon arrival, store in a cool, dry, dark location.
Planting Information:
Plant dahlias after the last spring frost when the soil has warmed to at least 15°C. Choose a well-drained, rich, organic flower bed or planter. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30cm and mix in compost and an all-purpose granular fertiliser. Dig a hole and plant the tuber with the eye or sprout facing upward. The top of the tuber should sit about 8cm below the soil surface. Firm the soil around the tuber and water thoroughly to eliminate any air pockets. If planting in a container, ensure there is proper drainage.
Tips for Growing Dahlias:
Don't overwater newly planted tubers—this is a common mistake. Water well at planting, then wait until the first sprouts emerge before watering again.
Keep dahlia foliage as dry as possible to prevent disease. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top 2.5cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Feed with an organic water-soluble fertiliser every 3—4 weeks until March. Stop feeding after that to promote good tuber dormancy.
Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Trim spent blooms just above a leaf node using clean garden scissors.
Harvest long flower stems for arrangements to stimulate branching and more blooms. While vase life is short, dahlias make striking indoor flowers.
Dahlias don't grow true from seed, so care for your tubers if you want to multiply or save them for future seasons.
Tubers can be lifted and stored after the first frost. In most parts of South Africa, however, they can remain in the ground to overwinter and sprout again in spring.
