Formal Decorative Dahlia | Bright Crimson Red
Dahlia 'Red Runner' is a striking formal decorative variety with vivid crimson-red blooms that light up the summer garden. The fully double flowers feature perfectly rounded petals, blooming abundantly on tall stems throughout the season. Ideal for garden borders, this bold dahlia also makes a dramatic statement in cut flower arrangements—just snip a few and let them steal the show indoors.
Tuber Count: 1
Plant Height: 100cm
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're not ready to plant upon arrival, store the tubers in a cool, dry, and dark place until planting time.
Planting Information:
Plant dahlias after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed to 15°C. Choose a well-drained, nutrient-rich flower bed or planter. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30cm and enrich it with compost and all-purpose granular fertiliser. Plant the tuber with the eye or sprout facing upward, about 8cm below the soil surface. Firm the soil around the tuber, water thoroughly, and ensure there are no air pockets. For containers, make sure there is sufficient drainage.
Tips for Growing Dahlias:
Avoid overwatering newly planted tubers—this can cause rot. Water only at planting, then hold off until you see growth above ground.
To reduce the risk of disease, water at the base and keep foliage as dry as possible. Water deeply once or twice weekly, allowing the top 2.5cm of soil to dry between waterings.
Feed your dahlias every 3—4 weeks with an organic, water-soluble fertiliser until March. Stop fertilising thereafter to promote better overwintering.
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep the flowers coming. Snip just above a leaf node with clean garden scissors.
Cutting long stems for vases not only looks good indoors—it also encourages more blooms and branching on the plant.
Dahlias don't reliably grow from seed, so care for your tubers if you'd like to multiply your favourites.
Tubers can be lifted and stored after the first frost. In most parts of South Africa, though, simply leave them in the ground to rest and regrow next spring.
