The Dahlia
‘Vancouver’ is
a striking “dinnerplate” cultivar known for its massive, fully double flowers that feature rich, blue-violet to purple-magenta petals tipped in brilliant white. These eye-catching blooms can grow up to 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) across, making them spectacular in the garden or as cut flowers. [
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Key Characteristics & Growing Needs
- Flower Type: Decorative / Dinnerplate
- Plant Height: Reaches roughly 28 to 40 inches (70–100 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer (July) through the first autumn frosts
- Sunlight: Requires full sun for maximum blooming
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with consistent watering [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Like all dahlias, ‘Vancouver’ grows from tuberous roots rather than traditional true bulbs. [
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- Planting: Plant the tubers horizontally in spring (March to June) after the danger of frost has passed. Bury them about 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) deep and space them roughly 2 to 2.5 feet (60–75 cm) apart. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Support: Because of the enormous, heavy heads, the stems will likely require staking as the plant grows. [1, 2]
- Overwintering: They are only hardy in USDA Zones 8–11. If you live in a colder climate (Zones 3–7), you will need to carefully dig up the tubers in the fall before the first hard freeze and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free location (around 45-50° F or 7-10° C) over the winter. [1, 2]
