Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’ Tuber | Bright Red Decorative Dahlia

Bring an intense burst of colour to the garden with Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’, a prolific decorative Dahlia producing vibrant, fiery-red flowers with excellent form.

Its neatly layered petals create full, symmetrical blooms, while subtle salmon-red undertones and deeper central shading may add warmth and depth to the colouring. The brilliant flowers stand out clearly against the plant’s dark green foliage.

A strong-growing and highly productive variety, ‘Hot Shot’ is ideal for garden displays, mixed borders and cut-flower arrangements.

EXAMPLE IMAGE ONLY: The flower image shows an example of the expected mature bloom. The intensity and balance of the bright red, crimson and salmon-red colouring may vary naturally according to climate, growing conditions, lighting and flower maturity. The supplied product is a dormant tuber—not a flowering plant.

Flower Characteristics

• Vibrant, fiery-red flowers
• May display crimson or salmon-red undertones
• Possible deeper shading towards the centre
• Decorative Dahlia flower form
• Flowers reaching approximately 9cm across
• Neatly layered petals
• Full, symmetrical blooms
• Prolific flowering habit
• Strong stems suitable for cutting
• Excellent colour for garden displays and arrangements

Supplied as Dormant Tubers

Supplied as the selected quantity of dormant Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’ tubers.

Dahlia tubers naturally vary in size, shape and appearance. A smaller tuber can grow just as successfully as a larger tuber when it is healthy and has a viable eye or growing point.

Tubers may arrive without visible shoots or roots. This is normal while they are dormant.

Key Features

• Correctly named Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’
• Decorative Dahlia classification
• Brilliant bright-red flowers
• Possible crimson and salmon-red undertones
• Flowers approximately 9cm across
• Full and neatly layered flower form
• Strong and prolific growth
• Grows approximately 1.2–1.5m tall
• Flowers throughout summer and autumn
• Excellent cut-flower variety
• Suitable for garden beds and large containers
• Frost-tender tuberous perennial
• Supplied as dormant tubers

Suitable Uses

• Cottage gardens
• Red and warm-toned garden displays
• Mixed flower borders
• Feature planting
• Cut-flower gardens
• Bouquets and floral arrangements
• Large pots and containers
• Seasonal summer displays
• Bright tropical-style colour schemes
• Decorative Dahlia collections
• Dahlia collections

Planting Instructions

Plant Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’ during spring once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm.

In many Australian climates, suitable planting time falls between September and December. Always adjust planting time according to local temperatures and frost conditions.

Choose a sunny position with fertile, free-draining soil. Avoid low-lying areas where water collects, as dormant tubers can rot in continually wet conditions.

Lay each tuber horizontally approximately 5–10cm below the soil surface, with the crown or growing point facing upwards. Cover gently with soil.

Space plants approximately 60cm apart to provide adequate room for growth and good airflow.

Install a sturdy stake when planting. Adding support before growth begins reduces the risk of accidentally damaging the tuber later.

Avoid heavy watering immediately after planting. If the soil is already moist, wait until shoots begin emerging before commencing regular watering.

Care Instructions

Position

Grow Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’ in full sun, ideally with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Light afternoon shade may be beneficial in particularly hot Australian climates. Excessive shade can result in softer stems, weaker growth and fewer flowers.

Choose a position protected from strong winds to help protect the tall flowering stems.

Soil

Plant in fertile, humus-rich and free-draining soil.

Improve the planting area with compost or well-aged organic matter before planting. Heavy clay soil should be amended to improve drainage, or the tuber can be grown in a raised garden bed or large container.

Excellent drainage is particularly important in subtropical climates and areas experiencing heavy summer rainfall.

Watering

Once shoots emerge, water deeply and regularly while allowing the upper surface of the soil to begin drying between applications.

Increase watering during hot, dry or windy weather. Avoid keeping the soil continually saturated, particularly around the crown and tubers.

Water near the base of the plant where possible to reduce prolonged moisture on the foliage and flowers.

Feeding

Apply a balanced or flowering-plant fertiliser once active growth is established.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage abundant foliage at the expense of flower production. Additional flowering fertiliser may be applied when buds begin developing, following the product label directions.

Staking

Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’ can grow approximately 1.2–1.5m tall and should be supported, particularly in windy or exposed positions.

Install a sturdy stake at planting time and secure the stems loosely as the plant grows. Allow enough room for natural movement and stem expansion.

Pinching

For bushier growth and additional flowering stems, pinch out the central growing tip once the young plant has developed approximately four sets of leaves or reached around 20cm tall.

Pinching may delay the first flowers slightly but can encourage a fuller plant with more flowering branches.

Deadheading and Cutting

Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming and prevent the plant from directing energy into seed production.

Flowers intended for arrangements are best cut during the cooler part of the morning. Choose well-developed flowers and place the stems into clean water promptly after cutting.

Regular cutting and deadheading can help extend the flowering period.

Hot and Humid Climates

In subtropical and humid regions, provide excellent drainage and generous spacing between plants.

Good airflow helps reduce the risk of fungal problems. Avoid continually wet foliage and water early enough for the leaves to dry before evening.

Protection from intense late-afternoon sun may help preserve flower quality during periods of extreme heat.

End-of-Season Care

After flowering, allow the foliage to remain until it begins yellowing and dying back naturally. This enables the plant to return energy to its tubers.

In mild climates with free-draining soil, the tubers may be left in the ground during dormancy. Mark the planting position and keep the area relatively dry.

Established clumps can be lifted and divided periodically to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigorous growth.

In cold, frost-prone or persistently wet climates, lift the tubers after the foliage has died back. Allow them to dry before storing them in a cool, dark, frost-free and well-ventilated location.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Dahlia hybrid ‘Hot Shot’
Cultivar: ‘Hot Shot’
Common Name: Dahlia
Family: Asteraceae
Flower Classification: Decorative Dahlia
Flower Colour: Bright red with possible crimson and salmon-red undertones
Flower Size: Approximately 9cm
Plant Height: Approximately 1.2–1.5m
Flowering Period: Summer to autumn
Plant Type: Frost-tender tuberous perennial
Supply Format: Dormant tuber
Position: Full sun to light afternoon shade
Soil: Fertile, humus-rich and free-draining
Planting Depth: Approximately 5–10cm
Plant Spacing: Approximately 60cm
Water Needs: Moderate during active growth
Frost Tolerance: Frost sensitive
End Use: Garden displays, large containers and cut flowers

Important Information

• The correct cultivar spelling is Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’
• The supplied product is a dormant tuber, not a flowering plant
• Tuber size, shape and appearance will vary naturally
• Tubers may arrive without visible shoots or roots
• Plant only when local growing conditions are suitable
• Avoid overwatering before shoots emerge
• Mature height and flowering time will vary with climate and care
• Flowers may appear bright red, crimson or salmon red under different conditions
• Individual flower size and colour intensity will vary naturally
• Example images show the expected mature flowers only

FAQ

What colour are Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’ flowers?

The flowers are a vivid, fiery red. Some blooms may display deeper crimson shading or warm salmon-red undertones.

Is the correct name Hot Shot or Hotshot?

The cultivar is commonly sold as Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’, with the name written as two words.

What flower form does ‘Hot Shot’ produce?

‘Hot Shot’ is a decorative Dahlia with broad, neatly layered petals forming full, symmetrical blooms.

How large are Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’ flowers?

The flowers generally reach approximately 9cm across under suitable growing conditions.

How tall does Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’ grow?

Plants generally reach approximately 1.2–1.5m tall. Final height will depend on climate, position, soil and care.

Will the tuber arrive flowering?

No. This product is supplied as a dormant tuber. The flower photograph shows an example of the expected mature bloom only.

Does Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’ require staking?

Yes. ‘Hot Shot’ is a tall-growing variety and can reach approximately 1.5m. Install a sturdy stake when planting to avoid damaging the tuber later.

Can Dahlia ‘Hot Shot’ be grown in a container?

Yes. Use a large, stable container with generous drainage holes and a fertile, free-draining potting mix. Container-grown plants require regular watering, feeding and support.