Dahlias are back, and they’re more dazzling than ever. Once affectionately known as grandma’s flower, these vibrant blooms are stepping into the spotlight for 2025, and Andrew Stark, horticulture expert and garden designer is here to tell us why.
Once a staple in Nan’s backyard, the dahlia is back with a modern twist, winning hearts at prestigious events like the Chelsea Flower Show and amassing a fanbase on Instagram. Its strikingly bold colours, intricate petal designs, and ability to thrive in hot, dry climates make the dahlia the star of contemporary gardens across Australia. This low-maintenance, high-reward plant has quickly become the perfect pick for both beginner and frugal gardeners looking to add a pop of drama to their summer and autumn spaces.
Dahlias: The Summer and Autumn showstopper
As renowned horticulture and garden expert Andrew Stark explains, “Dahlias are enjoying a well-deserved resurgence because they’re both stunning and incredibly forgiving.” With blooms ranging from saucer sized to dinner plate sized and available in almost every colour (except blue), dahlias are one of the most versatile flowers to add to your garden this season. Known for their bushy, herbaceous perennial growth, dahlias hail from Central America and Mexico and belong to the same family as sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and daisies, which gives them their unique resilience and vibrancy.
Why Dahlias are a great option for every gardener
For novice gardeners, the dahlia’s hardy nature is a blessing. Andrew points out that these plants are “nearly impossible to kill,” thriving in Australia’s hot, dry conditions with minimal care. They don’t require much water and can tolerate extended periods without rainfall, which makes them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Planting dahlias is easy and inexpensive, with some varieties growing up to six feet tall for as little as $10. Plus, they bloom reliably in their first year, providing an impressive display from Christmas through to May, far outlasting many other flowering plants.
The frugal green thumb’s friend
In today’s economy, dahlias are ideal for gardeners looking to stretch their dollars, says Andrew. Not only do these plants bloom for months, but they also make fantastic cut flowers, lasting up to a week in vases. Dahlias can be dug up, divided, and swapped with friends, making them a cost-effective option for expanding your garden collection.
An Instagram icon
Dahlias have taken social media by storm, with their bold colours, unique petal forms, and lush, glossy foliage catching the eye of garden enthusiasts and influencers alike. From deep burgundy hues to bright pinks and sunny yellows, these flowers add vibrancy to any space, and with new varieties being introduced each year, there’s always something fresh to admire.
Tips for growing Dahlias
- Sunlight & Soil: Dahlias love full sun, so pick a sunny spot in the garden, says Andrew. They do best in well-draining soil.
- Watering: Once established, they only need moderate watering, making them perfect for dry climates. “This makes them a low-maintenance choice,” says Andrew.
- Planting Depth: When planting dahlia tubers, bury them about 10–15 cm deep and space them 30–60 cm apart to allow room for growth.
- Maintenance: Minimal. Just deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, and stake taller varieties to keep them standing tall. They are the perfect flower for even the most novice gardeners, says Andrew.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the dahlia is a beautiful, budget-friendly choice that promises to deliver dramatic displays all summer and autumn long.
You can follow more of Andrew’s tips on his Instagram @andrewstarkgardendesign and website andrewstarkgardens.com
