Description

Dahlia Grand Prix is a true dinnerplate dahlia grown for oversized flowers that make an immediate impact in the garden. The blooms open in strong bright yellow tones, then finish with crisp white tips, giving a clear two tone look that reads well from a distance and still looks detailed up close. Irish horticulturists use this kind of high contrast colour for feature planting in estate borders, entrance beds and public schemes where the display must stay obvious through late summer. In private gardens it works best as a focal plant in a mixed border, planted in small groups to create a readable block, or grown in large containers near patios where the flower size and tipping detail can be appreciated. It is also excellent for cutting, producing statement stems for large vases, and regular cutting or deadheading encourages repeat flowering into autumn. Pair it with purples and blues for strong contrast, or echo the yellow with rudbeckia and late season perennials, keeping nearby companions simpler so the dinnerplate blooms do the work. Plant after frost risk in full sun and fertile, free draining soil improved with compost. Keep moisture steady through summer and stake well, as dinnerplate blooms are heavy and Irish wind will catch them. Feed from bud stage onwards and deadhead regularly to maintain continuous flowering. Lift and store tubers frost free after the first frosts for reliable replanting in Ireland.