White dahlias are cherished for their pristine, elegant blooms, adding serenity and sophistication to gardens and floral displays across the USA. Part of the Asteraceae family, these herbaceous perennials showcase shades from pure snowy white to soft ivory, complementing any landscape. Their radiant flowers bloom from mid-summer to the first frost, enhancing beds, borders, and arrangements.
Native to Mexico, white dahlias were cultivated by the Aztecs before reaching Europe in the 16th century. By the 19th century, breeders developed diverse forms, boosting their global appeal. In the U.S., they became garden staples, thriving in varied climates and celebrated for their clean, versatile beauty.
White 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).
White 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, especially in states like California and Oregon.
While not a food source, white dahlias enrich gardens by attracting pollinators like bees. Their luminous blooms provide emotional uplift, enhancing well-being. Low-maintenance with proper care, they’re a sustainable choice for serene, health-conscious U.S. landscapes.
Types of White Dahlia Flowers
Café au Lait
A renowned dinnerplate dahlia with large, creamy white blooms often tinged with soft peach or blush undertones. Its lush, fully double flowers create a romantic, vintage aesthetic, making it a favorite for weddings and cutting gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Creamy white with peach-blush hints, decorative blooms, 8-10 inches across.
- Broad, slightly curled petals in a full, rounded form.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; sturdy stems for cutting.
Snowflake
A pompon dahlia with small, pure white blooms resembling tiny snowballs. Its tightly packed, spherical flowers add charm to borders, containers, or small bouquets, offering a crisp, clean look.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, pompon blooms, 2-3 inches across.
- Tightly rolled, funnel-shaped petals in a spherical form.
- Plant height of 2-3 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; compact, rounded shape.
White Aster
A single-flowered dahlia with delicate, pure white blooms featuring a single layer of petals around a golden center. Its open, star-like structure attracts pollinators and adds simplicity to mixed garden beds.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, single blooms, 3-4 inches across.
- Single layer of flat, rounded petals; golden central disc.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; open, pollinator-friendly form.
Fleurel
A formal decorative dahlia with large, snowy white blooms exuding timeless elegance. Its fully double flowers have smooth, broad petals, ideal for exhibitions and classic floral arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Snowy white, 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; elegant, sturdy stems.
White Perfection
A dinnerplate dahlia with massive, pure white blooms offering a grand, pristine appearance. Its tightly packed, fully double flowers make it a standout for statement pieces in gardens or bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, decorative blooms, 10-12 inches across.
- Broad, flat petals in a dense, rounded form.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; large, robust stems.
Snowbound
A semi-cactus dahlia with medium-sized, ivory-white blooms featuring partially rolled petals. Its spiky, textured flowers blend softness with structure, perfect for modern borders or cutting gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Ivory-white, semi-cactus blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Partially rolled, pointed petals with a spiky texture.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; textured, modern form.
White Nettie
A ball dahlia with medium-sized, pure white blooms forming tight, spherical flowers. Its compact, rounded shape and clean color make it ideal for small gardens, containers, or bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, 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 frost; uniform, rounded shape.
My Love
A cactus dahlia with large, creamy white blooms featuring spiky, tubular petals. Its radiant, starburst effect adds drama to garden beds or floral arrangements, with a touch of elegance.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Creamy white, cactus blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Narrow, fully rolled petals with pointed tips.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; spiky, radiant form.
White Star
A waterlily dahlia with medium-sized, pure white blooms resembling water lilies. Its broad, shallow petals form a saucer-like shape, adding a delicate, serene look to gardens or bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, 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.
Polar Ice
A formal decorative dahlia with large, icy white blooms subtly tinged with pink undertones. Its fully double flowers have smooth, broad petals, perfect for elegant floral designs or garden displays.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Icy white with pink hints, decorative blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Broad, smooth petals in a full, symmetrical arrangement.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; subtle undertones.
White Onesta
A decorative dahlia with large, pure white blooms featuring slightly wavy petals. Its lush, double flowers create a soft, romantic effect, ideal for weddings or expansive garden borders.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, decorative blooms, 8-10 inches across.
- Broad, wavy petals in a full, double form.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; lush, romantic appearance.
Snow Country
A laciniated dahlia with medium-sized, pure white blooms featuring fringed, split-tipped petals. Its feathery, textured flowers add intrigue to borders or as a statement in cut arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, 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.
White Fubuki
A semi-cactus dahlia with medium-sized, creamy white blooms with a hint of ivory. Its partially rolled petals create a spiky, dynamic effect, suitable for modern garden designs or bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Creamy white to ivory, semi-cactus blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Partially rolled, pointed petals with a spiky texture.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; dynamic, textured form.
Bride to Be
A collarette dahlia with small, pure white blooms featuring a single layer of petals and a ruffled, lighter inner collar. Its delicate, open structure is perfect for bridal bouquets or pollinator-friendly gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white with lighter collar, collarette blooms, 3-4 inches across.
- Single outer petal layer; ruffled inner collar; yellow disc.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; delicate, layered effect.
White Moonlight
A formal decorative dahlia with medium-sized, pure white blooms exuding soft elegance. Its fully double flowers have smooth, rounded petals, ideal for classic garden displays or bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, formal decorative blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Smooth, rounded petals in a symmetrical, full form.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; elegant, clean appearance.
Snowcap
A miniature pompon dahlia with tiny, snowy white blooms forming perfect spheres. Its compact size and crisp color make it a charming choice for edging, containers, or small arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Snowy white, pompon blooms, 1-2 inches across.
- Tightly rolled, funnel-shaped petals in a spherical form.
- Plant height of 2-3 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; miniature, rounded shape.
White Diamond
A cactus dahlia with large, brilliant white blooms featuring spiky, tubular petals. Its radiant, starburst effect adds a dramatic flair to borders or cutting gardens, with a crisp, modern look.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Brilliant white, cactus blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Narrow, fully rolled petals with pointed tips.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; spiky, radiant form.
Alba
A single-flowered dahlia with small, pure white blooms featuring a single layer of petals around a golden disc. Its open, delicate structure attracts pollinators and suits naturalistic garden designs.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, single blooms, 3-4 inches across.
- Single layer of flat, slightly pointed petals; golden disc.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; open, pollinator-friendly form.
White Wizard
A laciniated dahlia with medium-sized, creamy white blooms featuring fringed, split-tipped petals. Its feathery, textured flowers add a whimsical touch to borders or cut flower arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Creamy white, laciniated blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Fringed, split-tipped petals with a feathery texture.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms late summer to frost; intricate, whimsical form.
Snowstorm
A semi-cactus dahlia with large, pure white blooms with partially rolled petals. Its spiky, voluminous flowers create a bold yet elegant effect, perfect for modern gardens or large bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, semi-cactus blooms, 8-10 inches across.
- Partially rolled, pointed petals with a spiky look.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; voluminous, textured form.
White Harmony
A waterlily dahlia with medium-sized, ivory-white blooms resembling water lilies. Its broad, shallow petals form a saucer-like shape, adding a serene, graceful look to gardens or arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Ivory-white, 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.
Silver City
A formal decorative dahlia with large, pure white blooms tinged with faint silver undertones. Its fully double flowers have smooth, broad petals, ideal for elegant floral designs or exhibitions.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white with silver hints, decorative blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Broad, smooth petals in a full, symmetrical arrangement.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; subtle silver undertones.
White Butterfly
A collarette dahlia with small, pure white blooms featuring a single layer of petals and a ruffled, lighter inner collar. Its delicate, butterfly-like structure is perfect for pollinator gardens or bouquets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white with lighter collar, collarette blooms, 3-4 inches across.
- Single outer petal layer; ruffled inner collar; yellow disc.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; delicate, layered effect.
Snow Queen
A ball dahlia with medium-sized, snowy white blooms forming tight, spherical flowers. Its compact, rounded shape and pristine color make it a versatile choice for borders or cut flowers.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Snowy white, 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 frost; uniform, rounded shape.
White Zenith
A cactus dahlia with medium-sized, creamy white blooms featuring spiky, tubular petals. Its dynamic, starburst effect adds a modern, radiant touch to garden beds or floral arrangements.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Creamy white, cactus blooms, 4-6 inches across.
- Narrow, fully rolled petals with pointed tips.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; spiky, modern form.
Snow Crystal
A semi-cactus dahlia with large, pure white blooms with partially rolled petals. Its spiky, textured flowers offer a bold yet soft aesthetic, suitable for cutting gardens or mixed borders.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, semi-cactus blooms, 6-8 inches across.
- Partially rolled, pointed petals with a spiky texture.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; bold, textured form.
White Elegance
A formal decorative dahlia with large, pure white blooms featuring smooth, slightly wavy petals. Its lush, double flowers create a refined, romantic effect, ideal for weddings or garden displays.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pure white, decorative blooms, 8-10 inches across.
- Broad, smooth, wavy petals in a full, double form.
- Plant height of 4-5 feet, spreading 18-24 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to frost; refined, romantic look.
Snow Angel
A single-flowered dahlia with small, ivory-white blooms featuring a single layer of petals around a pale yellow disc. Its delicate, open structure is ideal for naturalistic gardens or pollinator-friendly beds.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Ivory-white, single blooms, 3-4 inches across.
- Single layer of flat, rounded petals; pale yellow disc.
- Plant height of 3-4 feet, spreading 12-18 inches.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; delicate, open form.
General Notes:
- Bloom Season: White 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., Café au Lait, White Perfection) to support heavy blooms.
- Uses: Ideal for borders, containers, cutting gardens, and exhibitions due to diverse sizes (2-12 inches) and forms (e.g., decorative, cactus, pompon).