Dahlia ‘Kotara’ Tuber | Pale Pink, Apricot, Lemon, and Cream Flowers

Dahlia ‘Kotara’ is a stunning giant decorative variety that showcases a breathtaking blend of pale pink, warm apricot, soft lemon, and creamy white. Its immense, beautifully layered blooms create a magnificent display of soft, warm colours, adding dramatic elegance and charm to any garden setting.

The exquisite pastel blending works magnificently in romantic planting schemes, large garden borders, and statement floral arrangements. ‘Kotara’ is a standout variety prized for its giant flower size, impressive height, and captivating presence as both a feature plant and a striking cut flower.

Important Product Image Note Example image only. The image shows the expected mature flowers and is not a photograph of the exact tuber supplied. The intensity and distribution of the pink, apricot, lemon, and cream tones may vary between individual flowers and with temperature, sunlight, climate, 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 in quality to those produced by a larger tuber.

Key Features

• Stunning blend of pale pink, apricot, lemon, and cream

• Giant decorative flower form

• Immense, soft-coloured blooms with incredible visual impact

• Upright, dramatic growth reaching approximately 1–1.5m

• Water-wise and resilient once established

• Exceptional for statement cut flowers and large arrangements

• Summer-to-autumn flowering (December to April)

Suitable Uses

• Cut-flower gardens

• Statement bouquets and large floral styling

• Romantic garden designs

• Pastel and warm-toned garden themes

• Mixed herbaceous borders

• Feature planting and garden focal points

• Naturalising in well-drained, frost-free zones

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Dahlia ‘Kotara’

• Common Name: Kotara Dahlia

• Family: Asteraceae

• Plant Type: Tuberous perennial

• Flower Classification: Giant Decorative Dahlia

• Flower Colour: Pale pink, apricot, lemon, and cream blend

• Flower Size: Giant

• Mature Height: Approximately 1–1.5m

• Flowering Period: Summer to autumn (December to April)

• Position: Full sun to semi-shade

• Soil: Fertile and well drained

• Water Needs: Low to moderate (water-wise)

• Growth Habit: Upright and branching

• Cut Flower: Yes

• Supply Format: One dormant tuber

Planting Instructions

• Plant in spring (ideally September to December) after all risk of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm.

• Choose a sunny to semi-shaded position receiving adequate light. Light afternoon protection is 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 60–70cm apart to accommodate the large growth habit and ensure good airflow.

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

• Install a sturdy stake when planting or while the plant is young. Early staking avoids damaging the developing tuber and provides essential support for giant blooms later in the season.

Care Instructions

• Watering: While considered a more water-wise choice than some varieties, water deeply during active growth and prolonged dry spells. 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 product label directions. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth at the expense of blooms.

• Pinching and Flowering: Pinch out the central growing tip once the young plant has developed approximately three sets of leaves. This encourages branching, stronger stems, and a heavier flush of flowers. Regularly cut flowers or remove spent blooms to maintain continuous flowering through summer and autumn.

• Staking: ‘Kotara’ produces giant, heavy blooms on plants growing up to 1.5m and requires robust, secure support using sturdy stakes, frames, or plant rings installed early in the season.

• Climate: Dahlias perform best in temperate and warm-temperate climates. ‘Kotara’ is not frost-tolerant; wait until the danger of cold weather has passed before planting. Tubers may be lifted and stored after foliage dies back where winters are cold or excessively wet.

FAQ

• What colour is Dahlia ‘Kotara’? The flowers feature a stunning, soft blend of pale pink, apricot, lemon, and cream.

• What type of Dahlia is Kotara? ‘Kotara’ is a Giant Decorative Dahlia featuring immense, layered blooms.

• How tall does Kotara grow? Plants generally reach approximately 1–1.5m, adding excellent height and drama to the garden.

• Is Kotara suitable for cutting? Yes. Its giant blooms and beautiful pastel colouring make it an exceptional choice for statement floral arrangements.

• When will it flower? ‘Kotara’ generally blooms from December to April (summer into autumn), depending on planting time and climate.

• Does Kotara need staking? Yes, rigorous staking is essential due to the massive size and weight of the giant blooms, particularly in windy conditions.

• Will my tuber look like the one pictured? The product image illustrates expected mature blooms. Tuber size and shape vary naturally, and individual tubers will not look identical to promotional photos.