
Dahlia Decorative
La Recoleta
Dahlia ‘La Recoleta’ is a decorative dahlia celebrated for its intensely dark, velvety red blooms—so deep they often appear black in certain light. The flowers are fully double and compact, with neatly arranged petals that give them a rich, plush texture. It’s one of the darkest dahlias available, making it a dramatic standout in any garden.
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🌸 Bloom Size: 5–8 cm, fully double with a rounded form
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🌿 Height: Grows to 90–120 cm, with upright stems ideal for cutting
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☀️ Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, needing 6–8 hours daily
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🪴 Best Use: Perfect for cutting gardens, borders, or as a moody focal point
‘La Recoleta’ blooms early and prolifically, often one of the first to flower and among the last to fade. Its rich colouring pairs beautifully with lighter tones like blush pink, creamy white, or even soft yellows for contrast. It’s also a favorite for floral arrangements thanks to its long vase life and sturdy stems
- The best time to plant Dahlias here in NZ is September or October, but can be planted anytime from mid August through to late December.
- Dahlias love sun ,so choose a nice sunny spot in your garden. Ideally a spot that gets at least 4 hours of full sun a day.
- Dahlias will grow in almost any soil, but prefer well drained loamy soil conditions.
- Prepare the ground a few weeks before planting by digging over the soil thoroughly and adding a little well rotted compost and an application of general fertiliser.
- Before planting the tubers, apply stakes (for larger varieties) staking after planting damages roots and tubers.
- Plant your Dahlia tubers about 5-10cm deep and about 50cm apart with the eye facing upwards. Water well and keep moist being careful not to over-water.
For a full overview of how to plant Dahlias visit our Gardeners Guide.
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