Dahlia ‘Ben Hur’ Tuber | Large Ivory-White Decorative Flowers

Dahlia ‘Ben Hur’ produces spectacular large ivory-white flowers with a soft creamy centre. Its broad, layered petals create a full decorative flower form that makes an impressive statement in garden beds, borders and floral arrangements.

The neutral white and cream colouring works beautifully in cottage gardens, white gardens and mixed planting schemes. Its strong upright growth and large flowers also make ‘Ben Hur’ an excellent variety for cutting.

Important Product Image Note

Example image only. The image shows the expected mature flowers and is not a photograph of the exact tuber supplied.

Flower colour, size and appearance may vary slightly with climate, temperature, sunlight and growing conditions.

Tuber Supply Note

Supplied as one dormant Dahlia tuber.

Tuber size, shape and the number of growing points will vary naturally. A smaller tuber can produce a plant and flowers equal to those produced by a larger tuber.

Key Features

• Large ivory-white flowers
• Soft creamy centre
• Full decorative flower form
• Broad, densely layered petals
• Elegant neutral colouring
• Upright growth reaching approximately 1.2m
• Suitable for cutting and arranging
• Flowers repeatedly when regularly picked or deadheaded
• Excellent for garden beds and large containers
• Summer-to-autumn flowering

Suitable Uses

• Cut-flower gardens
• Bouquets and floral arrangements
• White gardens
• Cottage gardens
• Mixed garden borders
• Feature planting
• Wedding and event flowers
• Large pots and containers
• Mass planting

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Dahlia ‘Ben Hur’
Common Name: Ben Hur Dahlia
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Tuberous perennial
Flower Classification: Decorative Dahlia
Flower Colour: Ivory white with a creamy centre
Flower Size: Large
Mature Height: Approximately 1.2m
Flowering Period: Summer to autumn
Position: Full sun
Soil: Fertile and well drained
Water Needs: Moderate during active growth
Growth Habit: Upright and branching
Cut Flower: Yes
Supply Format: One dormant tuber

Planting Instructions

Plant in spring after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm.

Choose a sunny position receiving approximately 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Afternoon protection may be beneficial in very hot climates.

Plant the tuber horizontally approximately 10–15cm deep, with the dried stem or growing point facing upward. Space plants approximately 60cm apart to provide room for growth and airflow.

Avoid continually wet soil, as Dahlia tubers may rot in poorly drained conditions.

Install a stake when planting or while the plant is young. Early staking avoids damaging the developing tuber and provides support for the large flowers later in the season.

Care Instructions

Watering

Once active growth appears, water deeply and regularly during warm or dry weather.

Direct water towards the soil rather than the foliage and allow excess moisture to drain freely. Avoid leaving the tuber continually wet.

Feeding

Prepare the soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.

Apply a suitable flowering plant fertiliser once active growth is established. Feed again as flower buds begin to form, following the product label directions.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which may encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Pinching and Flowering

Pinch out the central growing tip once the young plant has developed approximately three sets of leaves. This encourages branching, stronger growth and additional flowering stems.

Regularly cut flowers or remove spent blooms to encourage continued flowering throughout summer and autumn.

Staking

‘Ben Hur’ grows to approximately 1.2m and produces large flowers that may become heavy.

Support the plant using a sturdy stake, frame or suitable plant support, particularly in exposed or windy positions.

Climate

Dahlias perform best in temperate and warm-temperate climates.

They can also be grown in subtropical areas with excellent drainage, good airflow and some protection from extreme afternoon heat. Planting times may need to be adjusted in warm, humid regions.

In frost-prone areas, wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting. Tubers may be lifted and stored after the foliage dies back where winters are cold or excessively wet.

FAQ

What colour is Dahlia ‘Ben Hur’?

‘Ben Hur’ produces ivory-white flowers with a soft creamy centre. The exact shade may vary slightly with temperature and growing conditions.

What type of Dahlia is Ben Hur?

It is a Decorative Dahlia with broad, overlapping petals forming a large, full flower.

How tall does Ben Hur grow?

Plants reach approximately 1.2m under suitable growing conditions.

Is Ben Hur suitable for cutting?

Yes. Its large flowers and elegant white-and-cream colouring make it an excellent choice for bouquets and floral arrangements.

When will it flower?

Dahlias generally flower from summer into autumn. Timing depends on the planting date, climate and growing conditions.

Does Ben Hur need staking?

Yes. Staking is recommended because the plant grows tall and its large flowers may become heavy, particularly after rain or during windy weather.

Can it be grown in a pot?

Yes, but use a large container with drainage holes and provide a sturdy support. Container-grown Dahlias may require more frequent watering and feeding.

Will my tuber look like the one pictured?

The product image is an example of the expected mature flowers. Tuber size and shape vary naturally, and the exact tuber supplied will not be pictured.