Park Princess is a dainty yet dazzling dahlia that knows how to shine. This compact semi-cactus variety features spiky blooms in a rich bright pink that gently fades to soft blush tones as the flowers mature — a sparkling presence in any summer garden! With her elegant, pointed petals and manageable height, Park Princess is perfectly suited for large containers or for planting at the front of your garden border.
Despite her delicate appearance, she's a sturdy grower and will reward you with armfuls of vibrant flowers from summer right up until the first frost.
When to Plant
Plant in spring, after the last frost, once the soil has warmed to around 15°C. That's usually from early to mid-September, depending on your area.
At a Glance
Tuber Count: 1 (each with at least one visible eye)
Plant Height: Around 120 cm
Spacing Required: 45 cm between plants
Light Requirement: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
Flowering Time: From summer until the first frost
Staking: Yes — tall stems appreciate the support
How to Plant
Choose a rich, well-draining spot in your garden or a generously sized pot.
Loosen soil to 30 cm deep and mix in compost and an all-purpose granular fertiliser.
Plant the tuber with the eye or sprouts facing up, about 8 cm below the soil surface.
Firm the soil gently and water well to settle everything in place.
Container Tip: Make sure pots have excellent drainage to prevent soggy roots.
Tips for Growing Park Princess
Watering: After your first watering at planting time, hold off until you see signs of growth. Overwatering dormant tubers can cause rot.
Routine Watering: Once established, water deeply once or twice a week. Let the top 2.5 cm of soil dry out between waterings.
Feeding: Apply a liquid organic fertiliser every 3—4 weeks until March, then stop to help tubers prep for winter dormancy.
Deadheading: Regularly snip off faded flowers using clean garden scissors, cutting just above the nearest leaf node.
Cut Flowers: Park Princess is lovely in a vase. Snip long stems to encourage more blooms and stronger side growth.
Disease Prevention: Try to keep the foliage dry and avoid wetting the leaves when watering.
Propagation: This dahlia doesn't come true from seed, so hang onto those tubers if you want to multiply your stock!
Overwintering in South Africa
The good news? In most parts of SA, you can leave your tubers in the ground through winter! They'll sleep through the cooler months and pop back up with fresh growth in spring. If you're in a wetter or colder area, you can lift and store them in a cool, dry, dark place until the next planting season.
Storing Tubers (If Needed)
If you're not ready to plant straight away, store your tuber in a dry, cool, and dark spot until conditions are just right.
