Are Dahlia's perennials? We hear this question a lot, and the quick answer is ‘Yes, they are!’. But it also depends on the type of dahlia you’re looking to buy.

Dahlias are tender perennials. They will flower again the following year but don’t put up very well with winter weather. Any prolonged exposure to frost, low temperatures, or excessive rain will kill the tubers. Some dahlias are even considered annuals because of this reason. So, to answer your question...

First of all, what is a perennial plant?

We’ve already discussed ‘what is an annual plant’, so it’s time to look at perennials. What are they?

Unlike annuals, which grow, flower and die in one year, perennials are the opposite. They will flower for years if they are properly cared for! Typically, perennials are given a life of 3+ years. If you notice your dahlias are starting to dwindle some, perhaps it’s time to swap them out with a newer variety.

Are dahlias perennial plants?

With the above in mind, we can now actually answer the all-important question! Are dahlias perennial plants?
Yes... and no. It depends on where you live and if you give them a hand before winter rolls around.

Like we said, dahlias hate, hate, hate the cold. Any kind of frozen or wet conditions will kill them off completely, and they won’t flower again. Traditionally, dahlias are supplied as tubers, and these tubers can be lifted. This means, that before winter and after they’ve flowered, you can lift and store dahlias to then replant them the following year.

Dahlias are considered a tender perennial, for the reasons stated above. Without lifting, they won’t flower again. This is why they are sometimes treated as an annual. However, this all depends on where you live! In the UK, the winters are too cold for dahlias. But, in areas that are a zone 8 or above, your dahlias can be treated as a perennial without lifting.

How to Store Dahlias Over Winter

Storing dahlias over winter will help them survive the frosty season. Plus, it's easy to do! Simply lift the root (gently) once the dahlia has died back in autumn. Dig out the soil around the base and lift the tuber without damaging any of the roots.

Cut the stems down and brush off any dirt or loose debris from the tubers. Then, put them in a pot and cover with dry compost. Store them somewhere cool and dry until the following May.

Want a full storing guide? Read ‘How to store dahlia tubers’ here.