Dahlia ‘David Howard’ is a classic large dahlia variety renowned for its striking, fully double, rich crimson-red blooms. The plant produces strong, upright stems with dark green, pinnate leaves, providing excellent support for its abundant, rounded flowers. Each bloom can reach 15–25 cm (6–10 in) in diameter, making it perfect for borders, mixed garden beds, or cut flower arrangements. Its vivid, long-lasting blooms add a bold and dramatic focal point to summer and early autumn gardens.
- Size: Height: 90–120 cm (3–4 ft). Spread: 60–75 cm (2–2.5 ft)
- Flowering: Mid-summer to first frost
- Growth habit: Upright clumping perennial from tubers
- Light: Full sun for optimal flowering and strong stem growth.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost; avoid soggy conditions.
- Water: Regular watering; keep soil evenly moist during growth and flowering.
- Hardiness: Hardy in Zones 8–10; in colder climates like Regina, SK, tubers should be lifted and stored over winter.
- Planting depth: Plant tubers 10–15 cm (4–6 in) deep, spacing 50–75 cm apart.
- Maintenance: Stake stems early to support large blooms; remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged flowering.
- Propagation: By tuber division in spring before planting.
- Pests/Disease: Monitor for aphids, slugs, snails, and powdery mildew; provide good air circulation to reduce disease risk.