10 of the best orange dahlias for the hot borders in your garden

Orange Dahliaa: Dahlia David Howard
Dahlia ‘David Howard’ by Marktee1 is licensed under CC BY 4.0

In this post, we’ll look at some of the reasons why you might want to grow orange dahlias, as well as 10 of the best orange dahlias to grow.

Why grow orange dahlias?

I always think that orange dahlias are offer a burst of colour that captures the essence of summer, especially when they catch the golden glow of evening sunlight.

The beauty of orange dahlia varieties lies not only in their individual effect but also in their ability to blend superbly with other hot-coloured dahlias. When paired with red dahlias, yellow dahlias, and pink dahlias, they create a truly sizzling border. The diverse shapes and sizes of orange dahlia varieties contribute to this mix, with many also attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.

Orange dahlias also offer a striking effect when juxtaposed with contrasting perennial plants. They can anchor a garden’s design with their bold presence and look especially effective when set against the deep purples, striking blues, or serene whites of perennial companion plants.

So, having hopefully given you a taste for orange dahlias. Here is a rundown of 10 of the best varieties you can grow in your garden.

1. Dahlia ‘David Howard’

Orange Dahlias – David Howard. Image by kind permission of the National Dahlia Society

This classic dahlia boasts warm, burnt-orange blooms that stand out against its dark foliage, almost like a sunset. It has a compact size, making it versatile for borders and containers. The rich colour holds up well in the summer sun, making it a reliable performer. The contrast between the flowers and the dark leaves also brings some drama to your garden.

  • Type: Decorative
  • Height and Spread: 30 to 36 inches (75-91 cm) tall, 24 inches (61 cm) spread
  • Flower Shape and Size: Rounded blooms, 4 inches (10 cm) across
  • Foliage: Deep mahogany leaves that contrast sharply with the flowers

2. Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’

Orange Dahlias: Dahlia Bishop of Oxford.
Dahlia Bishop of Oxford. Image by kind permission of the National Dahlia Society

The ‘Bishop of Oxford’ dahlia will captivate you with its fiery orange flowers that add a real burst of colour. It’s a hardy variety, resistant to pests and diseases, and the striking blooms offer an impressive display from midsummer to the first frost. This is another variety with dark leaves that create a great contrast with the vibrant flowers.

  • Type: Peony
  • Height and Spread: 30 inches (75 cm) tall, 18 inches (46 cm) spread
  • Flower Shape and Size: Dense, 3 inches (7.6 cm) blooms
  • Foliage: Bronze-tinted leaves that create an alluring contrast

3. Dahlia ‘Ginger Willo’

Orange dahlias: Dahlia Ginger Willo
Dahlia Ginger Willo. Image by kind permission of the National Dahlia Society

‘Ginger Willo’ has ginger-orange pompon blooms. It is known for its robust growth and bold colour, making it a real standout. This dahlia is great for those who want to add an exotic touch to their garden. The sturdy stems also make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.

  • Type: Pompon
  • Height and Spread: 48 inches (122 cm) tall, 24 inches (61 cm) spread
  • Flower Shape and Size: Small, pompon ball-shaped, 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) diameter
  • Foliage: Healthy green leaves.

4. Dahlia ‘Sylvia’

Dahlia Sylvia - orange dahlias
Dahlia Sylvia. Image by kind permission of the National Dahlia Society

The ball dahlia ‘Sylvia’ enchants with its gentle blending of orange and cream, offering a soft yet warm colour palette. Its delicate hues make it ideal for soft landscaping designs. ‘Sylvia’ has a long blooming period, providing beauty throughout the season. It flowers on strong straight stems which makes it an ideal cut flower variety.

  • Type: Ball
  • Height and Spread: 40 inches (101.6 cm) tall, 20 inches (50.8 cm) spread
  • Flower Shape and Size: Waterlily-like, 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide
  • Foliage: Pointed, bright green leaves that complement the flower’s soft tones

5. Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’

Dahlia Totally Tangerine
Dahlia Totally Tangerine by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the striking anemone flowered dahlias, ‘Totally Tangerine’ lives up to its name with a profusion of vibrant tangerine blooms that can brighten any garden space. This variety is a prolific bloomer and attracts pollinators, adding life to your garden. Its endurance through various weather conditions makes it a gardener’s delight. The colour is so amazing that the flowers appear almost luminescent at dusk.

  • Type: Anemone
  • Height and Spread: 24 to 30 inches (60 to 76.2 cm) tall, 20 inches (50.8 cm) spread
  • Flower Shape and Size: Central cushion with a single outer ring, 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) across
  • Foliage: Mid-green, serrated leaves that are as robust as the flowers.

6. ‘Mel’s Orange Marmalade’

Dahlia Mel’s Orange Marmalade. Image by kind permission of the National Dahlia Society

Mel’s Orange Marmalade is cherished for its vibrant, ruffled petals and an orange, almost coral, hue that brings to mind the sweet spread it’s named after. This dahlia’s unique texture and colour are eye-catching in any setting. It is known for its long blooming season, providing colour when other flowers begin to fade.

  • Type: Cactus
  • Height and Spread: 36 inches (91 cm) tall, 24 inches (61 cm) spread
  • Flower Shape and Size: Spiky, cactus-like, 6 inches (15.2 cm) long
  • Foliage: Dark green leaves that accentuate the brightness of the blooms

7. Dahlia ‘Orange Nugget’

Dahlia Orange Nugget - Orange dahlias
Dahlia ‘Orange Nugget’ by Dwergenpaartje is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The ‘Orange Nugget’ dahlia is a golden treasure in the garden with its luminescent, golden-orange blooms. Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for borders and small spaces. This variety is also known for its exceptional bloom quality and uniform flower shape. It’s a reliable bloomer, often the first to flower and the last to finish in the garden season.

  • Type: Decorative
  • Height and Spread: 2o to 30 inches (50 to 75 cm) tall, 16 inches (40.6 cm) spread
  • Flower Shape and Size: Rounded, 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) diameter
  • Foliage: Deep green, providing a fresh look throughout the season

8. Dahlia ‘Jescot Julie’

Dahlia Jescot Julie
Dahlia Jescot Julie. Image by kind permission of the National Dahlia Society

‘Jescot Julie’ is a quite rare double orchid type dahlia. Its unusual combination of burnt orange and golden tones, creates a warm, inviting ambience in the garden. This is a resilient dahlia, holding up well against rain and wind. Its flowers have a distinctive form that provides texture and depth. The plant is a vigorous grower, filling out spaces with ease and grace.

  • Type: Orchid
  • Height and Spread: 36 to 40 inches (91 to 100 cm) tall, 20 inches (50.8 cm) spread
  • Flower Shape and Size: Double flower form, 4 inches (10 cm) wide
  • Foliage: Green with a hint of bronze, adding a rich depth to the garden’s palette

9. Dahlia ‘Peaches and Cream’

Dahlia Peaches and Cream. Image by kind permission of the National Dahlia Society

Dahlia ‘Peaches and Cream’ is one of the tri-color dahlias, blending orange, peach and cream tones for a stunning effect. This dahlia’s large, impressive blooms make it a garden showpiece. It’s a prolific bloomer, ensuring a lush display throughout the season. The plant is quite robust and easily able to support the weight of its substantial flowers.

  • Type: Decorative
  • Height and Spread: 40 inches (100 cm) tall, 30 inches (76.2 cm) spread
  • Flower Shape and Size: Large, 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) diameter
  • Foliage: Green, which complements the softness of the flowers

10. Dahlia ‘Camano Buz’

The ‘Camano Buz’ is a dahlia that demands attention with its striking orange-red flowers. It’s a vigorous grower with bushy habits that fill up garden beds beautifully. This variety is particularly noted for its long-lasting flowers that remain vibrant for an extended period. Its strong stems make it a great cut flower.

  • Type: Formal Decorative
  • Height and Spread: 48 inches (120 cm) tall, 18 inches (45.7 cm) spread
  • Flower Shape and Size: Miniature ball-shaped, 4 inches (10 cm) wide
  • Foliage: Glossy green, which maintains a polished look all season long

These dahlias has been selected for their outstanding colour, form, and growth characteristics. These are some of the best orange dahlias for creating a warm and fiery hot garden buzz in your borders.

More on growing dahlias

You can also get much more guidance on growing red dahlias(and all other dahlias) in these posts:

dahlias step by step

Get the complete guide to growing dahlias in your garden

Learn about all stages of dahlia growing including propagation, planting, deadheading, feeding, watering, overwintering, pests and diseases and a whole lot besides.

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