Dahlia Molly Raven

Dahlia Molly Raven: Marbled Blooms with a Magenta-Fuchsia Swirl

Bring a touch of artistry to your garden with the Dahlia Molly Raven tuber. This striking variety grows to an impressive height of 110–120 cm with a spread of approximately 60 cm. Its upright, well-branched stems proudly hold fully-double blooms measuring 10–11 cm high above a mound of dark purple-green foliage and inky stems, creating a beautiful contrast. The oval petals are streaked and mottled like fine Venetian marbled paper, with a base of dusty rose, coral-pink, or soft coffee over-painted with vibrant magenta-fuchsia stripes. This sophisticated and unique appearance makes it a beautiful mid-border focal point.

Dahlia Molly Raven is an excellent choice for a pastel “marble” colour scheme and for creating boutique cut flower arrangements. The flowers, which have a vase life of 5–7 days, are perfect for short-stem posies. With consistent dead-heading or harvesting, you can expect to enjoy over 80 of these beautifully marbled blooms per plant throughout the season.

Growing Calendar

• Plant tubers: mid-September (when daytime highs drop to ≤ 38°C).
• First blooms: late November – early December.
• Peak display: December – March.
• Cut back / rest: early May.

Best Uses

• Mid-border focal points & pastel “marble” colour schemes.
• Large patio containers (≥ 40 cm).
• Boutique cut flowers for short-stem posies.

Planting & Care Guide

• Light: Full sun (4 h); provide 30% shade-cloth if temperatures exceed 40°C during establishment.
• Soil: Deep, fertile, perfectly drained. Mix 5 L of finished compost and ½ cup of crab & lobster shell meal into each hole.
• Depth & spacing: Plant tuber 10 cm deep, 45 cm apart; insert a stake at planting to avoid root damage later.
• Water: Deep-soak every 3–4 days once shoots appear; allow the top 3 cm to dry between irrigations.
• Feed (Fertilizing): Monthly low-nitrogen organic bloom fertiliser (~3-6-4) until February, then stop.
• Maintenance: Pinch at 35 cm for bushier plants; dead-head or harvest stems promptly to encourage 80+ blooms.