Sweet Suzanne Dahlia: A Grower’s Guide to This Gorgeous Soft Pink Bloom
Introduction
If you’re looking to add a soft, romantic touch to your garden or cut flower arrangements, Sweet Suzanne Dahlia is the variety you need. With her delicate pastel pink petals, golden-yellow centre, and reliable flowering habit, Sweet Suzanne is a firm favourite for bouquet growers, border planters, and dahlia collectors alike.
In this complete UK grower’s guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Sweet Suzanne Dahlias — from planting and care, to design ideas, propagation tips, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Quick Overview: Sweet Suzanne Dahlia
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flower type | Single / open-centre |
| Bloom colour | Soft pastel pink with a golden centre |
| Height | 90–120 cm (3–4 feet) |
| Spread | 45–60 cm |
| Foliage | Dark green, slender |
| Bloom size | ~8–10 cm (3–4 inches) |
| Flowering period | July to first frost |
| Ideal for | Pollinators, cut flowers, borders |
| Light requirements | Full sun |
| Soil preference | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| UK Hardiness | Half hardy — lift tubers or mulch heavily |
What Makes Sweet Suzanne So Special?
Sweet Suzanne is part of the open-centred dahlia group, making her:
- ✅ Pollinator-friendly — bees and butterflies love her accessible centre
- ✅ Compact but elegant — tall enough to cut, compact enough for beds
- ✅ Perfect for bouquets — long, sturdy stems and a romantic colour palette
- ✅ Early blooming — often one of the first dahlias to flower
Unlike heavy, dinner-plate dahlias, Sweet Suzanne has a light, natural look, making her a favourite for cottage gardens, mixed borders, and wildflower-style arrangements.
When to Plant Sweet Suzanne Dahlia in the UK
| Activity | Timing (UK) |
|---|---|
| Start tuber indoors | March–April |
| Plant outdoors | Mid–late May (after frost) |
| First flowers | Late June – early July |
| Peak bloom | July–September |
| Lift/store tubers | Late October – November |
How to Plant Sweet Suzanne Dahlia
🌱 Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start tubers indoors in March–April if possible
- Use a large pot (minimum 2–3 litres) with free-draining compost
- Bury tubers 10–15 cm deep with eyes facing up
- Place in a warm, light location (min. 15°C)
- Plant outside after last frost (mid-late May)
- Space 45–60 cm apart
- Stake at planting to avoid root damage later
Growing Conditions for Best Results
| Condition | Sweet Suzanne’s Preference |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Full sun (6+ hours daily) |
| Soil | Loamy, well-drained, fertile |
| Watering | Regular, deep watering once sprouting |
| Feeding | High potash feed (e.g. tomato fertiliser) every 2–3 weeks |
| Support | Needs staking due to upright stems |
Avoid soggy soil — good drainage is critical to prevent tuber rot.
Is Sweet Suzanne Dahlia Good for Pollinators?
Yes! As an open-centred variety, Sweet Suzanne provides:
- Easy access to nectar and pollen
- Bloom longevity from early summer to frost
- A beautiful nectar source for bees, hoverflies, and butterflies
This makes her an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly or pollinator-focused gardens.
Using Sweet Suzanne in Garden Design
🌸 Great For:
- Cottage gardens
- Romantic or pastel-themed borders
- Wildflower-style flowerbeds
- Bee gardens or pollinator strips
- Cut flower beds or allotment rows
- Mixing with grasses, cosmos, salvia, scabiosa
🎨 Companion Colour Combos:
| Pair With | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Purple salvia | Contrast and pollinator-friendly |
| White cosmos | Soft, airy pairing |
| Dusty miller | Silver foliage highlights pink blooms |
| Ornamental grasses | Adds texture and movement |
Taking Cuttings from Sweet Suzanne
Cuttings can be taken from sprouting tubers in March or April:
- Wait until shoots are 7–10 cm tall
- Cut with a sharp, sterile knife just above the base
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone
- Insert into moist, free-draining compost
- Place in a propagator or cover with a clear bag
- Rooting usually takes 2–3 weeks
- Pot on and plant out after frost
Lifting and Storing Tubers Over Winter
In most of the UK, tubers should be lifted in late autumn:
- Cut back stems after the first frost
- Carefully dig up the tuber without damaging it
- Dry for 1–2 weeks in a frost-free area
- Store in dry compost, vermiculite, or newspaper in a cardboard box
- Keep in a cool, dark, frost-free place (4–10°C)
In mild areas, you can leave tubers in the ground with a thick mulch (15–20 cm) for insulation.
Pros and Cons of Sweet Suzanne Dahlia
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful soft pink colour | Tubers must be lifted in most UK areas |
| Pollinator-friendly | Needs staking for support |
| Excellent for cutting | May require protection from slugs |
| Compact and productive | Open-centred blooms don’t last as long in water |
| Early and long flowering | Can be overshadowed in crowded beds |
Conclusion
Sweet Suzanne Dahlia is a top pick for gardeners who want charm, grace, and pollinator value in one beautiful package. Her soft pink petals, long flowering window, and easy growth habit make her a reliable favourite in any UK garden.
Whether you’re filling borders, creating bouquets, or supporting wildlife, Sweet Suzanne brings beauty, elegance, and versatility — all season long.
Top 10 FAQs About Sweet Suzanne Dahlia
1. What colour is Sweet Suzanne Dahlia?
A soft pastel pink with a yellow open centre — delicate and romantic.
2. How tall does Sweet Suzanne grow?
Roughly 90–120 cm (3–4 feet) tall.
3. Does Sweet Suzanne need staking?
Yes — she has upright stems that benefit from support.
4. Is Sweet Suzanne good for cut flowers?
Absolutely — long stems and soft colours make her perfect for bouquets.
5. Is she pollinator-friendly?
Yes — as an open-centred dahlia, she’s excellent for bees and butterflies.
6. Can I grow Sweet Suzanne in pots?
Yes, in large containers (40+ cm wide) with support and rich compost.
7. When should I plant Sweet Suzanne outside?
After the last frost, typically mid to late May in the UK.
8. Can I take cuttings from her?
Yes — in early spring, when shoots are 7–10 cm tall.
9. Does she bloom all summer?
Yes — from July to October, with regular deadheading.
10. Where can I buy Sweet Suzanne Dahlia in the UK?
Available at suppliers like Sarah Raven, Peter Nyssen, Crocus, Farmer Gracy, and specialist dahlia nurseries.