Red dahlias are prized for their bold, fiery blooms, bringing vibrant energy to gardens and floral displays across the USA. Members of the Asteraceae family, these herbaceous perennials showcase shades from bright scarlet to deep burgundy, enhancing any landscape. Their striking flowers bloom from mid-summer to the first frost, enlivening beds, borders, and arrangements.
Originating in Mexico, red dahlias were cultivated by the Aztecs before reaching Europe in the 16th century. By the 19th century, breeders developed diverse forms, fueling their global popularity. In the U.S., they became garden favorites, thriving in varied climates and celebrated for their intense colors and versatility.
Red dahlias feature diverse flower forms, including single, double, cactus, and pompon types, with petals ranging from smooth to spiky. Plants grow 1-6 feet tall, with green foliage supporting sturdy stems. Their tuberous roots store energy for annual regrowth, though tubers are lifted in colder U.S. zones (2-7).
Red dahlias thrive in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil (pH 6.5-7.0) and regular moisture. Planted in spring (April-May), they bloom July to October in the USA, available as tubers or cut flowers at nurseries and markets, particularly in states like California and Oregon.
While not a food source, red dahlias enrich gardens by attracting pollinators like bees. Their vivid blooms provide emotional uplift, enhancing well-being. Low-maintenance with proper care, they’re a sustainable choice for vibrant, health-conscious U.S. landscapes.
Red Dahlias
Alva’s Doris
A semi-cactus dahlia with large, spiky blooms in a rich, dark red hue. Its vibrant color and prolific flowering make it a favorite for exhibitions and cutting gardens, adding drama to mixed borders.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Dark red, semi-cactus blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Spiky, partially rolled petals with pointed tips.
- Plant height of 4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; prolific bloomer.
Apache
A cactus dahlia with bright, fiery red blooms featuring fringy, tubular petals. Its compact growth and weather resilience make it ideal for open garden spaces or cutting, offering tropical vibes.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Bright red, cactus blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Fringy, fully rolled petals with a spiky look.
- Plant height of 3 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; wind and rain resistant.
Arabian Night
A formal decorative dahlia with deep, wine-red blooms that appear almost black at the center. Its fully double, orb-like flowers add a rich, moody elegance to gardens and bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Deep wine-red to near-black, decorative blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Broad, slightly curved petals in a rounded, full form.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; orb-like, dark center.
Aurora’s Kiss
A miniature ball dahlia with small, dark red, pompon-like blooms. Its compact, spherical flowers on tall stems make it a charming addition to borders, containers, or cut flower arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Dark red, ball blooms, 2-4 inches across.
- Short, curved petals in a tight, honeycomb-like sphere.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to autumn; compact, rounded form.
Bishop of Llandaff
A single-flowered dahlia with vivid red blooms and dark, bronze-tinged foliage. Its open, pollinator-friendly flowers contrast strikingly with the foliage, perfect for borders or cutting.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Bright red, single blooms, 3-4 inches across.
- Single layer of rounded petals; yellow central disc.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; dark bronze foliage.
Bora Bora
A semi-cactus dahlia with flamboyant, coral-red to pink petals fading to yellow at the center. Its large, textured blooms add vibrant color and interest to beds and cutting gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Coral-red to pink with yellow center, semi-cactus blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Spiky, partially rolled petals with a ruffled texture.
- Plant height of 2-3 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; vibrant, multi-toned.
Cornel
A pompon dahlia with medium-sized, purple-red blooms forming perfect, spherical flowers. Its compact, rounded shape and strong stems make it a stunning choice for cut flowers or borders.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Purple-red, pompon blooms, 2-3 inches across.
- Tightly rolled, funnel-shaped petals in a round form.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; small, spherical shape.
Doris Day
A cactus dahlia with small, bright red blooms featuring spiky, outward-curving petals. Its compact size and vibrant color make it ideal for mixed herbaceous borders or as a cut flower.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Bright red, cactus blooms, 3-4 inches across.
- Narrow, fully rolled petals curving outward.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to autumn; spiky, compact form.
Taratahi Ruby
A waterlily dahlia with eye-catching scarlet blooms resembling water lilies. Its broad, shallow petals create a saucer-like shape, adding bold color to summer and autumn gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Scarlet, waterlily blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Broad, flat or slightly curved petals in a saucer form.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; waterlily-like shape.
Chat Noir
A cactus dahlia with large, dark red blooms resembling sea urchins. Its spiky, rolled petals create a dramatic, velvety effect, perfect for statement pieces in gardens or arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Dark red, cactus blooms, up to 8 inches across.
- Round, spiky, fully rolled petals with a sea urchin look.
- Plant height of 4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms July to frost; velvety, dramatic form.
Karma Bon Bini
A decorative dahlia with bright orange-red blooms and a yellow center, creating a sunburst effect. Its vibrant, double flowers are ideal for adding warmth to borders or vases.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Orange-red with yellow center, decorative blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Broad, flat petals with a full, double arrangement.
- Plant height of 3 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; sunburst coloration.
Night Butterfly
A collarette dahlia with dark burgundy outer petals and a ruffled, white-pink inner collar surrounding a golden center. Its striking contrast makes it a butterfly magnet and bouquet star.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Dark burgundy with white-pink collar, collarette blooms, 2-4 inches across.
- Single outer petal layer; ruffled inner collar; golden disc.
- Plant height of 3 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; contrasting collar.
Blithe Spirit
A decorative dahlia with bright red petals tipped with brilliant white, resembling an exotic tropical flower. Its bold, bicolor blooms add flair to borders and cut flower arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Bright red with white tips, decorative blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Broad, flat petals with a bicolor, tropical look.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms July to October; sterile, bicolor petals.
Spartacus
An informal decorative dahlia with large, deep red blooms featuring wavy, irregular petals. Its bold, slightly tousled appearance adds a vibrant, casual charm to gardens or bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Deep red, informal decorative blooms, 8-10 inches across.
- Wavy, irregular petals with a slightly twisted form.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; large, casual form.
Red Runner
A single-flowered dahlia with deep red, daisy-like blooms and a dark central disc. Its simple, open structure attracts pollinators and adds a classic touch to mixed garden beds.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Deep red, single blooms, 3-4 inches across.
- Single layer of flat petals; dark central disc.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; daisy-like, open form.
Autumn Sunburst
A decorative dahlia with vibrant orange-red petals fading to pale yellow tips, creating a ruffled, voluminous look. Its warm, sunset-like hues shine in late-season gardens or arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Orange-red with yellow tips, decorative blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Broad, ruffled petals with a double, full form.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; sunset-like coloration.
Red Devil
A formal decorative dahlia with large, vibrant scarlet-red blooms that exude bold energy. Its fully double flowers have smooth, broad petals, making it a standout for cut flowers and garden focal points.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Scarlet-red, formal decorative blooms, 8-10 inches across.
- Broad, smooth petals in a symmetrical, full arrangement.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; vibrant, sturdy stems.
Jowey Winnie
A ball dahlia with medium-sized, deep red blooms forming tight, spherical flowers. Its compact, rounded shape and rich color make it ideal for borders, containers, or bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Deep red, ball blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Tightly packed, rolled petals in a spherical form.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; uniform, rounded shape.
Hapet Red Star
A cactus dahlia with bright, crimson-red blooms featuring spiky, tubular petals. Its starburst effect and weather-resistant growth make it perfect for open garden spaces or dramatic arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Crimson-red, cactus blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Narrow, fully rolled petals with a spiky, star-like form.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; weather-resistant stems.
Red Pigmy
A miniature single-flowered dahlia with small, bright red blooms and a golden center. Its compact size and open, pollinator-friendly flowers are ideal for edging, containers, or small gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Bright red, single blooms, 2-3 inches across.
- Single layer of flat petals; golden central disc.
- Plant height of 1-2 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; dwarf, open form.
Fuego
A semi-cactus dahlia with fiery, orange-red blooms that blend into yellow tips, creating a glowing effect. Its large, textured flowers add warmth to borders or cutting gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Orange-red with yellow tips, semi-cactus blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Partially rolled, pointed petals with a textured look.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; fiery, gradient coloration.
Lady Darlene
A waterlily dahlia with medium-sized, deep red blooms resembling water lilies. Its broad, shallow petals form a saucer-like shape, adding elegance to garden beds or floral arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Deep red, waterlily blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Broad, flat or slightly cupped petals in a saucer form.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; waterlily-like structure.
Red Cap
A pompon dahlia with small, bright red blooms forming perfect, spherical flowers. Its compact, rounded shape and vibrant color make it a charming choice for edging or small bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Bright red, pompon blooms, 2-3 inches across.
- Tightly rolled, funnel-shaped petals in a round form.
- Plant height of 2-3 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; small, spherical shape.
Nuit d’Ete
A cactus dahlia with large, dark burgundy-red blooms that appear almost black in low light. Its spiky, rolled petals create a dramatic, velvety effect, ideal for statement garden displays.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Dark burgundy-red, cactus blooms, 8-10 inches across.
- Long, fully rolled petals with a spiky, textured form.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; velvety, dark appearance.
Scarlet Fern
A laciniated dahlia with medium-sized, bright scarlet blooms featuring fringed, split-tipped petals. Its feathery, textured flowers add intrigue to borders or as a cut flower.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Bright scarlet, laciniated blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Fringed, split-tipped petals with a feathery look.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms late summer to frost; intricate, textured form.
Karma Sangria
A decorative dahlia with vibrant, coral-red blooms fading to pinkish tips, creating a lush, double flowerhead. Its warm tones and strong stems make it a favorite for cutting gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Coral-red with pinkish tips, decorative blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Broad, flat petals in a full, double arrangement.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; gradient, lush form.
Red Velvet
An informal decorative dahlia with large, deep red blooms featuring wavy, slightly tousled petals. Its rich, velvety texture adds a casual, luxurious charm to garden beds or bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Deep red, informal decorative blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Wavy, irregular petals with a slightly twisted form.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; velvety, casual appearance.
Firepot
A waterlily dahlia with small, fiery red blooms blending into orange and yellow at the base, resembling a glowing flame. Its compact size and vibrant color suit containers or front borders.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Fiery red with orange-yellow base, waterlily blooms, 3-4 inches across.
- Broad, shallow petals in a saucer-like form.
- Plant height of 2-3 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; glowing, compact form.
General Notes:
- Bloom Season: Red dahlias bloom from mid-summer (July) to the first frost (October-November) in the USA, thriving in USDA zones 8-11 as perennials or grown as annuals in colder zones (2-7) with tuber lifting.
- Growth Requirements: Prefer full sun (6-8 hours), well-drained, fertile soil (pH 6.5-7.0), and consistent moisture. Stake taller varieties (e.g., Spartacus, Alva’s Doris) to support heavy blooms.
- Uses: Ideal for borders, containers, cutting gardens, and exhibitions due to diverse sizes (2-10 inches) and forms (e.g., cactus, decorative, single).