Dahlia ‘Hadrians Bubblegum’ 40/60cm (P9)

Dahlia ‘Hadrians Bubblegum’ – Dahlia brings an irresistible charm to summer borders with its masses of vibrant magenta flowers that seem to glow in the sunshine. This single-flowered dahlia variety produces blooms with a simple yet captivating form, featuring a ring of bold petals surrounding a golden centre that acts as a beacon for pollinators. The magenta colouring is rich and intense, creating eye-catching displays from midsummer through to the first frosts.

As a single dahlia, ‘Hadrians Bubblegum’ offers particular value for wildlife gardeners. The open flower structure provides easy access to nectar and pollen, making it exceptionally attractive to bees and butterflies throughout the flowering season. You’ll find your garden buzzing with activity as various pollinator species visit these cheerful blooms day after day. The continuous flowering habit means there’s always fresh nectar available, supporting beneficial insects when they need it most.

This dahlia variety produces strong stems that hold the flowers well above the foliage, making them perfect for cutting. The magenta blooms create spectacular vases when displayed alone or combined with complementary colours. In the border, ‘Hadrians Bubblegum’ works beautifully alongside silver-leaved plants, late-flowering perennials, and ornamental grasses. The intense colour creates wonderful contrasts with lime-green foliage or softer pastel shades.

You’re receiving this plant at 40-60cm, representing its current growing size in the pot. Once established in your garden, it will develop into a fuller plant with even more flowering potential.

Growing Dahlia ‘Hadrians Bubblegum’

Plant your dahlia after all risk of frost has passed, typically from late May onwards. Choose a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Dahlias are hungry feeders and respond well to soil preparation before planting. Dig in compost or well-rotted manure to give your plants the best start.

Space plants approximately 60cm apart to allow for good air circulation and their mature spread. Insert a support cane at planting time to avoid damaging the tubers later. As the plant grows, tie stems loosely to the support to prevent wind damage and keep the plant looking tidy.

Water regularly during dry spells, particularly once flowering begins. Dahlias produce their abundant blooms over many months and need consistent moisture to maintain this display. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks from midsummer to encourage continuous flowering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote further flower production and keep plants looking their best.

In autumn, after the first frosts have blackened the foliage, cut stems down to around 15cm above ground level. Carefully lift the tubers, remove excess soil, and allow them to dry for a few days in a frost-free location. Store tubers in barely-moist compost, vermiculite, or sand in a cool but frost-free place over winter. Check occasionally and lightly dampen the storage medium if tubers appear to be shrivelling. Alternatively, in milder regions with well-drained soil, you can leave tubers in the ground with a thick mulch of compost or bark chips for protection.

Slugs and snails can damage emerging shoots in spring, so take preventative measures early in the season. Regular inspection and removal of pests will protect your plants during their vulnerable early growth stages.

Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height
2–5 years

Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres