Dahlia Penhill Watermelon
Best vibrant blooms for enthusiastic garden decorators.
Dahlia 'Penhill Watermelon' is a captivating dinnerplate dahlia renowned for its impressive, large blooms and vibrant coloration. Each flower can reach up to 11 inches in diameter, showcasing a harmonious blend of soft pink, coral, and salmon hues with a subtle yellow undertone, reminiscent of a ripe watermelon. The petals are delicately twisted and curled, adding a whimsical and dynamic texture to the blooms. This dahlia variety typically grows to a height of approximately 50 inches, making it an excellent choice for the back of garden borders or as a striking focal point in floral displays. Dahlia 'Penhill Watermelon' blooms profusely from mid-summer until the first frost, providing a continuous display of color throughout the growing season. For optimal growth, plant 'Penhill Watermelon' in full sun and in well-drained, fertile soil. Plant the tubers in spring after the danger of frost has passed, about 2 to 3 inches deep and spaced 12 to 24 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming throughout the season. In colder regions, it's advisable to dig up the tubers after the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place over winter to protect them from freezing temperatures. With its stunning color palette and robust growth habit, Dahlia 'Penhill Watermelon' is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of tropical beauty to their landscapes.
$14.24
More Dahlia Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1570
/ 3183
#1570 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-40%
Below average
Deer Resistant
No
/ No
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a vibrant, unique focal point for their landscape
- Enthusiasts desiring show-stopping blooms for grand displays or cutting
- Homeowners wanting prolonged floral interest and a steady supply of fresh bouquets
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in cold zones or those preferring truly hardy, perennial plants
- Individuals seeking self-supporting plants or those with limited time for garden upkeep
- Beginners or busy gardeners who prefer plants with strong natural pest resistance
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Massive eleven-inch blooms create an undeniable focal point in any garden.
Bloom Longevity
Consistent flowering from mid-summer through the first frost ensures season-long color.
Growth Habit
Sturdy fifty-inch stems provide excellent height for back-of-border displays.
Maintenance Effort
Requires regular deadheading and winter tuber storage in colder climates.
Climate Versatility
Hardy in warmer zones but demands careful winter protection elsewhere.
Pest Resistance
Lacks natural deer resistance, necessitating protective measures in vulnerable areas.
Key Specs
Deer Resistant
No
Density
18 inches
Flowering Height
up to 50 inches tall
Flowering Time
Summer through Fall
Fragrant
No
Naturalizing
No
Origin
Holland
Planting Depth
4-6 inches
Features
- Impressive large blooms up to 11 inches in diameter
- Captivating blend of pink, coral, and salmon hues
- Delicately twisted and curled petals for dynamic texture
- Grows up to 50 inches tall, ideal for borders
- Blooms profusely from mid-summer until first frost
- Dinnerplate Dahlia type
- Requires full sun and well-drained fertile soil
- Can be stored over winter in colder climates
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the bulbs, noting their robust health upon arrival. Many gardeners report high success rates in germination and vigorous growth, leading to an abundance of truly spectacular, large blooms. The unique watermelon pink and yellow hues are frequently highlighted as a standout feature, bringing vibrant color and a touch of elegance to gardens. This dahlia is celebrated for its reliable performance and the sheer joy it brings, making it a highly recommended choice for its consistent beauty and ease of cultivation.
Know before you buy
These dinnerplate dahlias are known for their massive size, producing impressive blooms that can reach up to 11 inches in diameter.
Yes, because these dahlias grow up to 50 inches tall and produce very heavy blooms, it is highly recommended to provide staking or support to keep the stems upright and prevent them from snapping in the wind.
If you live in USDA zones 9-10, they can remain in the ground. In colder climates, you must dig up the tubers after the first frost and store them in a cool, dry location to protect them from freezing temperatures.
For optimal air circulation and healthy growth, space your tubers 12 to 24 inches apart.
No, the Penhill Watermelon dahlia is not considered deer resistant. You may need to use protective measures if deer are common in your garden area.
Regularly deadheading spent flowers is the most effective way to encourage the plant to produce new blooms from mid-summer until the first frost.
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