Dahlia Happy Butterfly

Dahlia ‘Happy Butterfly’ is a cheerful, pollinator-friendly dahlia that’s full of charm. It produces masses of single, open flowers in bright, warm tones (often pinks, reds or coral shades depending on conditions), each with an easy-access centre that bees and butterflies absolutely love—hence the name! The blooms are held above tidy foliage on strong stems, and because the flowers are single and lightweight, the plant tends to keep its shape well and flowers freely for months.

This is a brilliant choice for sunny borders and patio pots if you want a dahlia that’s long-flowering, wildlife-friendly and easy to enjoy. Regular deadheading (or picking a few stems for the house) will keep it blooming from midsummer right up until the first frosts.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Dahlia tubers in spring. For the earliest flowers, start tubers in pots indoors from March to April, then plant out once the risk of frost has passed. If planting directly outside, wait until late spring when the soil has warmed.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. Dahlias are ideal for mixed borders, wildlife-friendly planting and patio containers. They love warmth and perform best in full sun.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant tubers about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) deep, with the old stem (or growing point) facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space plants 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart to allow good airflow.
• Soil Prep: Enrich the planting area with well-rotted compost or manure. In heavy soil, improve drainage with grit.

Watering:
Water after planting. Once shoots appear and growth is underway, keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry spells. Avoid waterlogging. Container-grown Dahlias may need watering daily in hot weather.

Aftercare Tips:

• Pinch out the growing tip once plants are around 30 cm tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
• Deadhead regularly to keep plants flowering until autumn.
• Feed weekly from midsummer for the best performance, especially in pots.
• After the first frost blackens the foliage, lift tubers and store dry and frost-free over winter, or protect in the ground with a thick mulch in milder areas.

Top Tip:
If you’re planting for pollinators, single-flowered Dahlias like ‘Happy Butterfly’ are a brilliant choice—keep deadheading and you’ll have bees visiting for months.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

July - October (until first frosts)

Height:
24–36" (60–90cm)

Position:
Full sun

Tender Perennial:
Overwinter tubers frost-free in the UK