Dahlia Rebecca's World

Dahlia ‘Rebecca’s World’ is a true conversation starter—one of those varieties that makes you do a double-take every time you walk past. The blooms are a striking combination of fruity cherry red and icy white, but here’s the magic: as each flower develops, the colours miraculously switch. The red areas mature towards white, and the white areas deepen into red, so the blooms seem to change their look over time. No two flowers are ever quite the same, and the plant gives you a constantly evolving display from midsummer right through to the first frosts.

It’s also a brilliant cut flower, adding instant drama to arrangements. Keep deadheading (or pick regularly) and ‘Rebecca’s World’ will keep producing fresh, eye-catching blooms for months.

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, cutting gardens 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, depending on the final size.
• 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.
• Stake taller stems if needed, especially in exposed borders.
• Deadhead regularly (or cut for the vase) to keep plants flowering until autumn.
• 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 love a border that changes as the season goes on, Dahlia ‘Rebecca’s World’ is perfect—leave a few blooms to mature so you can enjoy the colour-switching effect, and cut others for the vase.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

July - October (until first frosts)

Height:
24–36" (60–90cm) (approx. depending on conditions)

Position:
Full sun

Tender Perennial:
Overwinter tubers frost-free in the UK