White Flower Farm
Dahlia 'Burlesca'
Best choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting, vibrant cut flower arrangements.
The Dahlia 'Burlesca' is a Ball-form variety celebrated for its unique, alluring blooms measuring about 2.5 inches across. These honeycomb blossoms feature sunset hues blending pink, purple, and yellow tones, though customer reviews suggest the actual color can appear more smoky or brownish-plum than pictured. This vigorous plant offers an incredible ornamental display, blooming reliably from midsummer through fall. Dahlias thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun, though they can tolerate partial shade. In colder climates, these tubers are treated as annuals and must be brought indoors for winter storage. They are excellent for garden borders or as striking additions to fresh-cut flower arrangements.
$11.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
717
/ 3088
#717 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Flower Form
Ball-form Dahlia
/ Ball-form Dahlia
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic, high-impact focal point
- Floral designers needing reliable, long-lasting stems for bouquets
- Design-conscious gardeners curating a sophisticated, multi-tonal color palette
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners who prefer hands-off plant support
- Busy gardeners in colder climates avoiding seasonal tuber storage
- Casual growers who prefer plants requiring minimal pest management
Performance breakdown
Bloom consistency
Reliable flowering from midsummer through the first frost of autumn.
Color accuracy
Expect smoky, brownish-plum tones rather than the vibrant sunset hues pictured.
Arrangement utility
Perfectly sized honeycomb blooms make for striking, long-lasting cut flower displays.
Growth vigor
Selected for strong performance and resilience during extensive growing trials.
Maintenance demand
Requires winter tuber storage in colder climates to ensure annual survival.
Garden versatility
Ideal height for borders and thrives in both beds and containers.
Key Specs
Flower Form
Ball-form Dahlia
Bloom Size
2.5 inches
Hardiness
Perennial in Zones 8–10; treated as annual elsewhere
Mature Height
28-32 inches
Spacing
18-24 inches
Soil pH Preference
6.5 to 7.0
Fertilizer Recommendation
Low in nitrogen (e.g., 5-10-10)
Shipping Form
Dormant BULB (Tuber)
Features
- Blooms consistently from midsummer until the first fall frost
- Versatile use in garden beds or as long-lasting cut flowers
- Selected for strong performance through extensive growing trials
- Tubers can be pre-potted indoors for earlier garden blooms
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality of the Dahlia 'Burlesca' tubers, noting vigorous growth and reliable blooming. The striking, deep coloration and unique ruffled petals are frequently highlighted as the product's greatest appeal, delivering a dramatic visual impact exactly as advertised. While some mention the premium price point, the resulting spectacular garden display justifies the investment, making this variety a favorite for its dependable performance and stunning aesthetic design.
Know before you buy
While the blooms feature a blend of pink, purple, and yellow, the final color often leans toward a smoky or brownish-plum tone. Expect some natural variation in color intensity depending on your specific garden conditions.
If you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 8–10, you can leave them in the ground year-round. In colder climates, the tubers must be lifted and stored indoors during the winter to protect them from freezing temperatures.
You can start your tubers in pots indoors a few weeks before the last frost date. Once the danger of frost has passed, transplant them into your garden beds to enjoy flowers earlier in the season.
Use a fertilizer low in nitrogen, such as a 5-10-10 formula. High-nitrogen fertilizers can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Yes, 'Burlesca' is an excellent choice for fresh-cut arrangements. Its ball-form blooms are sturdy and long-lasting in a vase, providing a unique texture and color profile.
Space your tubers 18 to 24 inches apart. This ensures adequate airflow, which helps prevent fungal issues and allows the plants to reach their full mature height of 28 to 32 inches.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$11