Waterlily dahlia varieties

Waterlily dahlias are fully double, symmetrical blooms that look flat to saucer-shaped from the side, as the American Dahlia Society defines them. The society adds that the depth of the bloom should never be more than half its diameter. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
7
Height
1½–4½ ft (51–130 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 8–11
Form

7 Waterlily

Compare all 7 side by side

All 7 waterlily dahlia varieties

A Bride to Be dahlia flower up close on the plant Bride to Be White waterlily dahlia with 4-inch blooms on compact 3½-foot plants. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall3½ ft (107 cm)
A Crème de Cassis dahlia flower up close on the plant Crème de Cassis Waterlily dahlia, 4-6 in lavender-pink blooms with a wine-red reverse on 30-36 in plants. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall2½–3 ft (76–91 cm)
A Firepot dahlia flower up close on the plant Firepot Orange waterlily dahlia with 3-inch blooms on compact 2-foot plants. Late summer, Fall1½–2 ft (51–61 cm)
A Gerrie Hoek dahlia flower up close on the plant Gerrie Hoek Shell-pink waterlily dahlia introduced in 1942, 5-inch blooms on 4-foot plants. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall4 ft (122 cm)
A Glorie van Heemstede dahlia flower up close on the plant Glorie van Heemstede Golden yellow waterlily dahlia, 15 cm blooms on erect stems, 130 cm tall. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall4½ ft (130 cm)
A Karma Choc dahlia flower up close on the plant Karma Choc Waterlily dahlia with 4 in black-red blooms and dark foliage. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall3½ ft (107 cm)
A Lauren Michele dahlia flower up close on the plant Lauren Michele Lavender waterlily dahlia with a deep purple reverse, 3.5-inch blooms on 4-foot plants. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall4 ft (122 cm)

How to choose

  1. Check the flower size on each variety's record, since waterlily dahlias come in several bloom sizes.

  2. Compare the Height column before planting them next to shorter dahlias.

  3. Use the color filter to narrow the list to the shades you want.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Bride to Be Waterlily 3½ ft (107 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Crème de Cassis Waterlily 2½–3 ft (76–91 cm) 9–11 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Firepot Waterlily 1½–2 ft (51–61 cm) 8–10 Late summer, Fall Full sun
Gerrie Hoek Waterlily 4 ft (122 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Glorie van Heemstede Waterlily 4½ ft (130 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Karma Choc Waterlily 3½ ft (107 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Lauren Michele Waterlily 4 ft (122 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognize a waterlily dahlia?

The American Dahlia Society points to the side view: a waterlily bloom is flat to saucer-shaped, with a depth of no more than half its diameter.

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