Dahlia Dinnerplate 'Cafe au Lait Royal'

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Dahlia Dinnerplate ‘Cafe au Lait Royal’ is a spectacular dinnerplate dahlia renowned for its enormous, show-stopping blooms and elegant, warm-toned coloration. Each flower opens to reveal a perfect, fully double form with layers of broad, gently curved petals, creating a soft, luxurious texture. The color is a sophisticated blend of creamy beige, soft apricot, and subtle blush, often with delicate hints of champagne or caramel at the petal tips. The blooms can reach 8–12 inches across, making them dramatic focal points in borders or cutting gardens. The long, strong stems and generous flower size make ‘Cafe au Lait Royal’ a prized choice for striking floral arrangements and wedding bouquets.

The foliage is dark green and sturdy, providing a lush backdrop that enhances the warm tones of the blooms. Plants are vigorous and upright, producing a continuous succession of flowers from midsummer until the first frost. In the garden, ‘Cafe au Lait Royal’ stands out for its elegance and grandeur, adding sophistication to any planting scheme.

Planting Directions

• When to Plant: Plant tubers in spring after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed.

• Sun Exposure: Choose a location with full sun, ideally receiving 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

• Soil: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Improve heavy soils with compost or well-rotted organic matter to enhance drainage and fertility.

• Planting Depth: Dig a hole 4–6 inches deep. Lay the tuber horizontally with the eye or sprout facing upward.

• Spacing: Space plants 24–36 inches apart to accommodate their large size and allow for good airflow.

• Watering: Water lightly after planting and wait until shoots emerge before increasing watering. Once established, water deeply and consistently, letting the topsoil dry slightly between waterings.

• Staking: Strong staking is essential at planting time to support the heavy dinnerplate blooms and prevent wind damage.

• Pinching: When shoots reach 12–16 inches tall, pinch back the growing tip to encourage branching and more blooms.

• Fertilizing: Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season to encourage flowers rather than excessive leafy growth.

• Bloom Period: Flowers appear from midsummer and continue until the first frost.

• Overwintering: In cold climates, dig tubers after frost blackens the foliage, allow them to dry, and store in a cool, dry, frost-free location until spring.