Dahlia Tubers (Semi-Cactus) - Penhill Autumn Shades
Best choice for gardeners wanting dramatic, pollinator-friendly cut flowers.
Dahlia Penhill Autumn Shades offers magnificent, dinnerplate-sized blooms with ruffled petals, reaching up to eight inches across. This semi-cactus dahlia showcases a beautiful blend of apricot, peach, and soft golden hues that deepen throughout the season. Growing up to four feet tall on strong stems, it's ideal for cutting and creating stunning floral arrangements or garden focal points. These tubers are easy to cultivate, attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, and provide continuous color from midsummer into fall.
$27.49
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1570
/ 3183
#1570 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
+17%
Above average
Seed Type
Tuber
/ Tuber
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking sophisticated, warm-toned autumn floral displays
- Floral designers wanting high-impact, textural blooms for arrangements
- Home growers prioritizing reliable, healthy planting stock
Who should skip it
- Casual gardeners preferring plants that require minimal pest management
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding extra structural support tasks
- Busy growers living in regions with freezing winter temperatures
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Dinnerplate-sized blooms create an immediate focal point in any garden.
Floral Utility
Sturdy stems make these an exceptional choice for fresh cut arrangements.
Pollinator Appeal
Open, ruffled petals effectively draw bees and butterflies to the garden.
Growth Reliability
Straightforward planting requirements make these accessible for most home gardeners.
Seasonal Longevity
Consistent color production from midsummer through the first autumn frosts.
Climate Versatility
Restricted to warmer zones, limiting reach for colder climate growers.
Key Specs
Seed Type
Tuber
Plant Type
Semi-Cactus Dahlia
Plant Height
36 to 48 inches
Plant Spacing
12 to 18 inches
Planting Depth
2 inches
Hardiness Zones
8, 9, 10, 11
Bloom Season
Summer through Late Fall
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11
Features
- Enormous dinnerplate-sized blooms
- Sunset-inspired color blends
- Strong stems for cutting
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Blooms midsummer through fall
- Easy to grow and maintain
- Upright growth habit
What customers say
Consumers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of these Dahlia tubers. The primary delight stems from the high viability rate; most gardeners report robust sprouting and healthy growth. Furthermore, the resulting Penhill Autumn Shades blooms are celebrated for their spectacular, true to color performance, delivering the rich autumnal palette promised. While these tubers represent a premium purchase, customers overwhelmingly feel the stunning floral display and dependable results offer excellent value for the investment.
Know before you buy
These are classified as dinnerplate dahlias, meaning the ruffled, semi-cactus blooms can reach up to eight inches in diameter.
Yes, because these dahlias grow up to four feet tall and produce heavy, large blooms, they benefit from staking to prevent the stems from bending or breaking in high winds.
Penhill Autumn Shades are hardy in zones 8 through 11. If you live in a colder climate, you can treat them as annuals or dig up the tubers in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place over the winter.
For the best performance and most vibrant color, plant these in a location that receives full sun, which is at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
Absolutely. They feature strong stems and a long bloom window from midsummer through fall, making them an excellent choice for fresh floral arrangements.
You should space each tuber 12 to 18 inches apart to ensure adequate airflow and room for the plants to reach their full mature height of up to four feet.
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