10/13/2026
Let’s talk dahlias! These herbaceous tubers can be a bit fussy, but are worth it for the stunning color they bring to the late summer and fall garden.
You’ll find dahlias in every color under the sun (except blue), in a variety of heights, flower size and styles, from delicate pompoms to massive 10” dinnerplate varieties. As seen here, the petals can be solid, speckled or striped.
Dahlias are perennials hardy in zones 8 through 11, which means they sometimes survive our Oregon winters - and sometimes not! Dedicated gardeners will dig the tubers up before the first hard frost and replant in the spring to ensure survival, while others take a “let nature sort it out” approach, leaving tubers over winter, seeing what resurfaces and replanting if necessary.
Dahlias require full sun and well-draining soil; too much water can cause the tubers to rot. If you want to check out some truly amazing cultivars, visit our friends at Swan Island Dahlias . Have you had success with dahlias in your garden? How do you care for them?
