Scarlet, burgundy and dark foliage
Red dahlias run from bright scarlet to deep burgundy. One of the best-known garden cultivars is 'Bishop of Llandaff', a scarlet dahlia with dark bronze leaves, which gives the plant colour even before the first bud opens. When Cavanilles described a third dahlia in 1796 he named it Dahlia coccinea, after its scarlet colour.
What a red dahlia traditionally means
Searches for a red dahlia's meaning usually come back to passion, strength and standing out. In the language of flowers the genus is often linked with dignity and commitment, though old flower dictionaries do not all agree. Red works well for Valentine's Day on 14 February, which falls right in the dahlia season in the southern hemisphere.
Red in the Australian garden
Deep red pigment can fade in intense midday sun, so the richest colour usually shows up in cooler districts or where the plant gets afternoon relief. Pair red dahlias with silver foliage or lime-green plants, which make the colour stand out.
- Plant tubers in spring, after the last frost.
- Choose full sun in Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra; give part shade in Perth and Adelaide summers.
- Feed lightly with a low-nitrogen fertiliser once buds form.
- Deadhead to keep flowers coming through to autumn.
If the dog chews the dahlias
Dahlias appear on the ASPCA's list of plants that affect dogs, cats and horses, with mild stomach upset and skin irritation recorded. Most problems are minor, but a quick call to your vet is sensible if an animal has eaten tubers or leaves.
