Dahlia Decorative 'Bonesta'

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Dahlia Decorative ‘Bonesta’ is a striking decorative-type dahlia adored for its bold structure, refined petal formation, and luminous color blend. Each bloom showcases broad, gently curved petals arranged in layered whorls that create a full, lush, and perfectly rounded silhouette. The petals display a captivating bicolor effect: soft blush pink to pale lavender at the petal tips transitions smoothly into creamy white or luminous ivory toward the center. This gradient produces a radiant, pearlescent quality, making the flowers appear as though they are glowing in morning or evening light.

Blooms typically reach 4 to 6 inches across, offering a generous presence without overwhelming the plant’s elegant form. The flower heads stand proudly on sturdy stems, making ‘Bonesta’ a favorite both in the garden and as a cut flower. Its rich, medium-green foliage provides a balanced, serene backdrop that enhances the pastel brilliance of each bloom.

Planting Tips for Dahlia Decorative ‘Bonesta’

Site Selection

• Choose a full-sun location receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Good airflow helps prevent fungal issues and supports strong stems.

Soil Preparation

• Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure.

• Aim for a soil pH between 6.2 and 7.0.

• Avoid heavy, clay-rich soils unless amended to improve drainage.

Planting Depth and Spacing

• Plant after the threat of frost has passed and soil is approximately 60°F.

• Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep.

• Lay the tuber horizontally with the eye or sprout facing upward.

• Cover lightly and water sparingly until shoots appear.

• Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for good airflow and full growth.

Support

• Decorative dahlias often grow tall with heavy blooms, so install stakes or a support system at planting time.

• Tie stems gently as they grow to prevent bending.

Watering

• Hold off on heavy watering until green shoots emerge.

• Once established, water deeply 2 to 3 times per week depending on heat and soil conditions.

• Maintain even moisture but avoid waterlogged soil.

Fertilizing

• Begin feeding when plants reach about 12 inches tall.

• Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 to encourage bloom production.

• Reapply every 3 to 4 weeks through the growing season.

Maintenance

• Pinch the main growing tip at 12–16 inches to promote branching and more abundant flowering.

• Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.

• Use a light mulch layer to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the stem base.

End-of-Season Care

• In cold climates, dig up tubers after the first frost, dry them, label them, and store in a cool, dark, frost-free environment.

• In regions with mild winters, tubers can overwinter in the ground with a protective mulch layer.