Dahlias are half hardy, so keep them protected from frost. Pot tubers individually between February and April and grow them on in a greenhouse or bright indoor position. Alternatively, start them outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
Out of season
New
Dahlia
'Little Swan'
White flowers against almost-black foliage make Dahlia 'Little Swan' a particularly elegant addition to the summer garden. Its delicate, open blooms have a wonderfully natural character, with gently pointed white petals that curve backwards at their tips, revealing fine pinkish-grey veins and a bright golden-yellow centre. The contrast is quite extraordinary, especially against the deeply divided leaves in rich burgundy-purple, which appear almost black in certain light. Each flower measures around 7cm across, with an accessible centre that visiting bees and other pollinators are quick to appreciate. Growing to just 40–50cm, Dahlia 'Little Swan' has a neat, bushy habit, carrying its graceful flowers above the dark foliage. Small in stature but full of personality, Dahlia 'Little Swan' brings a beautifully considered contrast to summer planting.
Its compact proportions make Dahlia 'Little Swan' especially appealing for patio containers, where those striking leaves provide interest even between flushes of flowers. Try it alongside lavender-blue salvias, lime-green foliage or soft pink cosmos, allowing its white blooms to brighten the planting. Several plants grouped along the front of a border create an equally lovely effect, particularly in a naturalistic or wildlife-friendly garden. Give Dahlia 'Little Swan' a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil, watering regularly during dry spells. Removing faded flowers encourages a generous succession of fresh blooms from midsummer into autumn, while its naturally compact growth generally requires no support. With such a beautiful balance of delicate flowers and dramatic foliage, Dahlia 'Little Swan' proves that elegance doesn't need to be complicated.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
For planting out later, use a snug-fitting 15–20cm pot filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. For a patio display, plant directly into a container at least 30cm wide and keep it somewhere bright and frost free until it can move outdoors.
Position the old stem facing upwards, with the tubers covered and the stem stump level with the compost. Tubers naturally vary in size and shape and may arrive without visible buds. Bent necks are usually fine if they remain firmly attached, so do not remove them.
Water after planting, then allow the compost to become almost dry before watering again while the tuber remains dormant. Once shoots and leaves are growing strongly, water more regularly, always allowing excess water to drain away.
Plant out after the last frost, once the plant is around 20–30cm tall and its roots hold the compost together. Space dahlias approximately 30–50cm apart in borders, allowing less room for compact varieties. Water thoroughly after planting.
Water regularly during active growth and deadhead or cut flowers often. Dahlias usually bloom from July or August until the first frost, although later-planted tubers may start in late August or September. In autumn, lift, clean and dry the tubers, then store them somewhere cool, dry, airy and frost free.
- Botanical name
- Dahlia 'Little Swan'
- Flower colour
- White
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Bronze, near-black
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower Gardens
Wildlife gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Top-size tubers
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