Photo: Shu SuehiroCC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Tree Dahlia Plant Care
Dahlia imperialis Roezl ex Ortgies
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Standing at an impressive height of up to 10 feet, Dahlia imperialis boasts striking deep green, paddle-shaped leaves. Native to the highlands of Mexico and Guatemala, this rare species is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique towering presence in the garden and its stunning pink, lavender, or white blooms.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Tree Dahlia?
Water Tree Dahlia every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Tree Dahlia Native To?
What Is the Tree Dahlia?
Tree Dahlia (Dahlia imperialis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Dahlia genus. Tree Dahlia is native to the Americas. Tree Dahlia is also known as Imperial Dahlia, Dahlia lehmannii.
Tree Dahlia displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tree Dahlia produces large, showy blooms in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tree Dahlia?
Dahlia imperialis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tree Dahlia Need?
Tree Dahlia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tree Dahlia Prefer?
Dahlia imperialis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Tree Dahlia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tree Dahlia?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tree Dahlia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tree Dahlia?
Feed Tree Dahlia every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tree Dahlia?
Divide and repot tubers every spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tree Dahlia?
Tree Dahlia can be propagated through division of tubers, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red dahlia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tree Dahlia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Dahlia species (which includes Tree Dahlia). View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tree Dahlia?
Tree Dahlia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tree Dahlia Need?
Tree Dahlia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Tree Dahlia is native to the Americas. In cooler regions, grow Tree Dahlia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Tree Dahlia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dahlia genus — compare its care with other Dahlia species on PlantoScan.
Dahlia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Tree Dahlia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dahlia imperialis Roezl ex Ortgies, family Asteraceae (first published in Gartenflora 12: 243 (1863)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Dahlia species (which includes Tree Dahlia) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Shu Suehiro, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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