Plant Height Range
While bloom size, form, and color are formally standardized, plant height varies by cultivar and growing conditions, making it a practical guide rather than a fixed rule. We use height as an intuitive way to help you plan spacing, support, and visual balance in the garden.
Typical dahlia height range:
From about 12 inches to over 6 feet, depending on the variety.
Quick height guide:
- Border / Patio: ~12–24": Ideal for containers, edging, and front-of-bed plantings
- Mid-Height: ~30–48": Versatile, easy-to-manage garden staples
- Tall / Cutting Garden: ~48–72"+: Long stems, dramatic presence, often benefits from staking
Bloom Size Chart
Bloom size refers to the diameter of the flower when fully open. This classification helps set expectations—from petite accents to show-stopping giants.
- AA | Giant | 10" and up
- A | Large | 8-10"
- B | Medium | 6-8"
- BB | Small | 4-6"
- M | Miniature | Up to 4"
- MC | Mignon | Up to 2"
Note: Ball-type dahlias (Ball, Miniature Ball, Pompon) are often discussed slightly differently in grower guides due to their rounded form.
Bloom Form Chart (Abbreviations & Meaning)
Bloom form describes shape, structure, and petal arrangement—the trait that gives each dahlia its personality. These standard abbreviations are commonly used in listings and variety descriptions.
- FD | Formal Decorative
- ID | Informal Decorative
- SD | Semi-Decorative
- SC | Semi-Cactus
- IC | Incurved Cactus
- C | Straight Cactus
- LC | Laciniated
- WL | Waterlily
- CO | Collarette
- O/OT | Orchid-Flowering
- ST | Stellar
PE | Peony-Flowering - AN | Anemone-Flowering
- BA | Ball
- MB | Miniature Ball
- P | Pompon
- S | Single
Color Classifications
To keep naming consistent, dahlias are grouped into solid color classes and combination/blend classes. These classifications describe the overall visual impression of the bloom rather than exact shades.
Solid Color Classes
- W | White
- Y | Yellow
- OR | Orange
- PK | Pink
- DP | Dark Pink
- R | Red
- DR | Dark Red
- L | Lavender
- PR | Purple
- BR | Bronze
Combination & Blend Classes
- BI | Bicolor
- FL | Flame Blend
- LB | Light Blend
- DB | Dark Blend
- V | Variegated
Now the fun part.
Once you understand the language of dahlias—height, size, form, and color—you can start choosing varieties with confidence and intention.
Whether you’re drawn to towering dinnerplates, perfectly rounded balls, or airy stellars, each classification helps you build a garden (and a vase) that feels unmistakably yours.
Explore our curated collection and let your preferences lead the way.