Why You’ll Love it:
Dahlia ‘Mexican Star’, a spectacular burgundy Dahlia for late-season colour.
- Deep burgundy-wine petals are neatly rounded, opening perfectly flat to form a striking, starry disc.
- Bright golden central stamens create an intense, high-contrast focal point that shines in late summer light.
- Rich, dark green foliage forms a clean, bushy mound that beautifully sets off the jewel-coloured blooms.
The Burgundy Dahlia In Your Garden
Immensely elegant and deeply saturated, the richly coloured blooms of this Mexican native evoke the heat of a Mexican summer. The flat, open-centred flowers even have colour-coordinated, strong, dark stems that do not require support. They subtly complete the sophisticated colour scheme, in contrast with the many loud and raucous Dahlias.
Dahlia ‘Mexican Star’ grows to 1m tall and 75cm wide in its first year. This adaptable perennial bridges the gap between cottage gardens and contemporary planting schemes, with its chic mass of small blooms. Its mass of slender, wiry flower stems creates a diaphanous effect, perfect for mixed borders or planting in pots.
The flower heads are structurally brilliant, designed perfectly to cater to native wildlife. Unlike heavy, multi-petalled double varieties that hide their reproductive parts, its single flowers expose its rich nectar disc completely. Foraging bumblebees and hoverflies swarm the bright yellow centres, which add invaluable biodiversity late in the season.
Did you know?
Mexico declared the Dahlia its national flower in 1963, and the wild, native species D. pinata is designated as the country’s national emblem. It is very similar in appearance to the Burgundy Dahlia, with single red flowers and a central yellow disc. Add this beautiful variety, knowing that the spirit of Mexico will adorn your garden.
Growing Tips for Your Burgundy Dahlia
- Soil and Sun: Position in full sun or light partial shade. It flourishes in any rich, fertile soil, provided it is not excessively heavy and prone to waterlogging.
- Planting: Dig plenty of nitrogen-rich compost or well-rotted manure into the bottom of the hole and 30cm around it. Plant from spring to early summer at a depth of 15cm.
- Watering: Water deeply and freely during dry summer spells to maintain consistent flower production.
- Overwintering: Provide a thick, protective layer of mulch over the crown in milder UK regions. Elsewhere, lift the tubers after the first frost and store them in a dry, frost-free environment.
This special Dahlia offers a different look from other varieties, with its profusion of small flowers. Its constellation of intensely coloured blooms appears over a long period late in the season, making a refined display. It is an exceptional choice for cutting gardens, yielding dozens of long, clean stems for indoor vases. An essential floral display for any garden style.
