At Burnett’s Country Gardens, we’re excited to spotlight one of our absolute favorite annuals of the season: Dinnerplate Dahlias. Known for their bold, oversized blooms and long-lasting flower power, these showstoppers are a must for gardeners who want dramatic, high-impact color that lasts all the way to frost.
And right now, we’re offering $15 off all Dinnerplate Dahlia plants—grown right here at Burnett’s.
Whether you’re a seasoned dahlia grower or discovering these beauties for the first time, this is your moment to grab a true garden statement piece. With strong stems, vivid colors, and blooms the size of your hand (or bigger!), dinnerplate dahlias deliver both performance and personality.
Why Gardeners Love Dinnerplate Dahlias
Dinnerplate dahlias aren’t your average flower. Their massive, layered blooms look like floral fireworks—bursting in every direction with soft petals, vibrant colors, and remarkable size. Each variety has its own distinct look, but what they all share is an ability to elevate any garden or container with elegance and energy.
Here’s why they’re a favorite at our Connecticut garden center in Salem:
- Huge blooms – Some blossoms reach up to 10 inches across.
- Ever-changing color – These blooms evolve as they open, offering new shades and shapes as they mature.
- Great for cutting – Long, sturdy stems make them ideal for arrangements, a beautiful gift to a loved one or to beautify your own dinner table.
- Long bloom time – They flower continuously from mid-summer until the first hard frost. Wowzers!
- Instant drama – Just one or two can anchor a bed or container, adding instant charm and height. A wonderful bookend!
They’re perfect in the garden, in pots on the patio, or as the stars of your floral arrangements. And they thrive in Connecticut gardens, especially in well-drained soil with plenty of sun.
Meet the Stars: Our Six Dinnerplate Dahlia Varieties
This year at Burnett’s Country Gardens, we’ve grown six stunning dinnerplate dahlia varieties—all carefully selected for their beauty, uniqueness, and garden performance. Each one brings something special to your space:
- Mr. Sandman
This soft stunner is all about romance. Mr. Sandman features pastel peach and blush petals that shift slightly in tone as they open. It’s airy, elegant, and a beautiful contrast to darker-leaved plants or bold pinks. Perfect for a calm, dreamy garden palette.
- Go Go Speckled
If you love something with flair, Go Go Speckled is your dahlia. These playful blooms feature a creamy white base speckled and streaked with hot pink and fuchsia. No two flowers look exactly alike, which makes each one feel like a surprise. Great for cutting gardens and playful color schemes.
- Labyrinth
A true favorite for a reason. Labyrinth is an absolute knockout, with oversized, ruffled petals in peachy-pink and coral tones that shift as the bloom matures. It starts out like a soft sunburst and becomes bolder and more layered as it opens. It’s the kind of flower that stops people in their tracks.
- Labyrinth Two-Tone
A twist on the classic, Labyrinth Two-Tone takes the beauty of Labyrinth and dials it up a notch. With even more contrast between its peach and pink petals, this variety creates a dynamic focal point wherever it’s planted. It’s especially striking in mass plantings or paired with silvery foliage.
- Caribbean Fantasy
Just as tropical and vibrant as the name suggests, Caribbean Fantasy mixes creamy yellow and bright coral-pink in a soft watercolor blend. It brings serious vacation vibes to your garden beds or containers, and like all dinnerplate dahlias, the blooms just keep coming.
- Fairway Spur
Fairway Spur is bold and beautiful, with intense fuchsia and magenta tones. It’s the drama queen of the group—in the best way. Whether you plant it solo or mix it with softer hues, it commands attention and adds depth to your garden design.
Tips for Growing Dinnerplate Dahlias
Even though these flowers look exotic, they’re surprisingly easy to grow. Here’s how to make the most of them in your Connecticut garden:
- Sun is key: Plant in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day. The more sun, the more blooms.
- Feed and water well: Dahlias are heavy feeders and love regular watering—but not soggy roots. Use a balanced fertilizer and water consistently.
- Deadhead often: Remove faded blooms to encourage even more flowering.
- Stake them early: These blooms are big! Support your plants to keep stems strong and upright.
Why They’re Worth It
Dinnerplate dahlias don’t just add beauty—they bring joy and surprise to the garden every day. Because their blooms change as they open, it’s like watching a new flower emerge over time. What starts as a tight swirl of petals opens into something bold, layered, and totally unexpected.
They also bring in pollinators, make amazing cut flowers, and spark conversation among visitors. When someone sees one in bloom, they always ask, “What is THAT?”
Come See What’s Blooming at Burnett’s
We grow all our dahlias locally right here at Burnett’s Country Gardens, which means you’re getting strong, healthy plants that are already thriving in Connecticut conditions. And with $15 off, now’s the perfect time to pick your favorites and get them into the ground.
Visit us this week to shop our full selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable starts, and of course, dinnerplate dahlias. Our garden center team is always here to help you choose the best plants for your space and give you tips to help them thrive.
Burnett’s Country Gardens
Your local garden center in CT, proudly growing annuals, perennials, and pollinator-friendly plants for over 30 years.