Description

Dahlia Bolt is grown for tidy ball shaped flowers and a colour that subtly evolves through the season rather than staying fixed. Early blooms typically open in creamy yellow tones, then many flowers deepen as they mature, often picking up a soft blush or pink tipping toward the petal edges. The shift is usually gentle, but it gives planting extra interest because early summer flowers can look cleaner and later blooms can show warmer, more nuanced tones. The colouring is responsive to conditions, which is part of the appeal. Strong sunlight and plant maturity influence how much blush appears, and cooler late season nights commonly bring out richer, more noticeable tipping. In practice, the plant stays consistent for shape and flowering, while the intensity of the pink edge can vary depending on the weather and when stems are cut.  It is a strong sunny border plant and an excellent large pot variety. Ball dahlias cut cleanly and hold their shape well in the vase, so Bolt suits cutting patches and regular picking. Deadheading or frequent cutting keeps new buds coming into autumn. Creamy yellow works well as a linking tone across mixed schemes, pairing neatly with whites, silvers, grasses, soft lavenders and deeper burgundy foliage. Dahlia Bolt is not pollinator friendly. If biodiversity is a priority, plant nectar rich companions nearby such as salvia, nepeta, verbena bonariensis, oregano, borage or phacelia to keep pollinators working the bed. Plant after frost risk has passed in full sun and free draining soil improved with compost. Keep moisture steady, feed from bud stage onwards, and deadhead regularly. Lift and store tubers frost free after the first frosts for replanting next season.