De Ree UK Dahlia Cactus Preference (1 Bulb) by Jamieson Brothers

Dahlia 'Preference' is a beautiful, soft-toned variety that brings a warm, peachy-pink glow to garden borders, beds, and containers. Known for its compact, bushy growth and consistent flowering from midsummer to the first frost, this dahlia is ideal for creating soft, romantic displays. Its pastel-coloured blooms complement a variety of planting schemes and make an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, adding a gentle, elegant touch indoors. Easy to grow and reliable in UK gardens, Dahlia 'Preference' is a charming addition to any summer and autumn display.

The blooms of Dahlia 'Preference' are delicate and softly shaded in peach-pink tones, with a hint of apricot at the centre that gradually fades to a lighter edge. Each flower head is about 10-15cm in diameter, with fully double petals arranged in a soft, rounded shape. This warm colour palette brings a serene feel to the garden, and the flowers’ gentle hues pair beautifully with both bolder and pastel companions. The blooms sit atop sturdy green stems, providing excellent structure and making them perfect for both garden display and cutting.

How to Grow
Planting: Plant Dahlia 'Preference' tubers in spring, after the last frost, in a sunny, well-drained location. Plant the tubers about 10-15cm deep with the “eye” or growth point facing upwards, and space them approximately 45-60cm apart to allow ample room for their bushy growth.
Watering: Water the tubers thoroughly after planting to help them establish. Once the shoots appear, water consistently, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In hot or dry weather, water deeply once or twice a week.
Feeding: Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser, such as tomato feed, every two weeks from the onset of flowering. This will encourage healthy, abundant blooms throughout the season.
Staking: Although Dahlia 'Preference' is a compact grower, the flower heads are heavy, so light staking may be beneficial to support the stems. Insert supports when planting to avoid disturbing the tubers later, and loosely tie the stems as they grow.
Deadheading and Maintenance: Regularly deadhead faded blooms to encourage a continuous display of fresh flowers. After the first frost, cut back the foliage, and either lift and store the tubers or apply a layer of mulch if you choose to leave them in the ground over winter.
Overwintering: In colder areas of the UK, it’s best to lift and store dahlia tubers after the first frost. Allow them to dry, then store in a cool, frost-free place in slightly damp compost until replanting in spring. In milder regions, a layer of mulch should provide sufficient protection for overwintering in the ground.

With its lovely peachy-pink blooms and easy care requirements, Dahlia 'Preference' is a beautiful, low-maintenance choice for adding soft colour and elegance to UK gardens. Perfect for both garden displays and flower arrangements, this dahlia variety offers a warm, welcoming charm that enhances any summer to autumn setting.

Pack contains 1 bulb