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Decorative Dahlia | Striking Pink & White Variegated Blooms
Dahlia 'Santander' is a truly eye-catching decorative dahlia, producing large, beautifully formed blooms in a captivating mix of crisp white and vibrant pink, with each flower uniquely brushed, streaked, or splashed with colour. No two blooms are exactly alike, giving this variety a wonderfully artistic and playful charm while still retaining the elegance dahlias are loved for.
Bold yet refined, Santander makes a spectacular statement in garden borders, cutting gardens, and luxurious floral arrangements. Its strong stems and generous flowering habit make it a standout performer for both home gardeners and flower lovers alike.
Clump Count: 1 Dahlia Clump
Plant Height: 100—120cm
Plant Type: Tender perennial
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Blooms: Summer through to first frost
Plant Spacing: 45—60cm
Plant Staking: Recommended
Our dahlias are supplied as 1 healthy dahlia clump, ready for planting once conditions are ideal. If planting is delayed, keep your clump in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated space until ready to plant.
Dahlias thrive beautifully across South Africa when planted in spring, once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to approximately 15°C or above. In most South African regions, this is typically from September to November, depending on your local climate conditions.
Choose a sunny position receiving at least 6—8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Dahlias perform best in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with generous compost and organic matter.
Prepare your planting area by loosening the soil to approximately 30cm deep, incorporating compost and a balanced granular fertiliser before planting.
Plant your dahlia clump with the growing points facing upwards, approximately 8—10cm below soil level. Firm the soil gently around the clump to remove air pockets and water thoroughly after planting.
For container growing, choose a generously sized pot with excellent drainage and a premium-quality potting mix.
Watering:
Avoid excessive watering immediately after planting, as dormant clumps can rot in overly wet soil. Water thoroughly once after planting, then wait until active growth appears before watering regularly.
Once established, water deeply once or twice weekly, increasing frequency during hot weather or in sandy soils.
Feeding:
Dahlias are hungry growers and reward regular feeding. Apply a liquid or water-soluble fertiliser every 2—3 weeks during active growth to encourage abundant flowering and healthy clump development.
Reduce feeding toward late autumn to encourage proper dormancy.
Staking:
Recommended, especially in exposed or windy positions, as the large blooms can place weight on flowering stems.
Deadheading:
Remove spent blooms regularly by cutting just above a leaf node to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.
Cut Flowers:
An exceptional cut flower variety with strong stems, excellent vase life, and uniquely patterned blooms that add charm and movement to arrangements. The more you cut, the more it flowers.
Overwintering in South Africa:
In many milder South African regions, dahlia clumps can remain in the ground over winter provided drainage is excellent. In colder frost-prone regions, lift and store once the foliage naturally dies back.
With its beautifully unpredictable pink-and-white blooms and elegant decorative form, Dahlia 'Santander' is a true statement variety for gardeners who love flowers full of personality and charm.
