Hot Rod Dahlia
Description
Hot Rod delivers bold, high-voltage color with vibrant hot pink to magenta blooms that pop in the garden and the vase. Its full, layered flowers sit atop sturdy stems, making it a reliable choice for cutting and for adding long-season punch to mixed borders. Expect a strong, showy presence that pairs beautifully with both pastels and deeper jewel tones.
Specifications
| Form | WL |
|---|---|
| Color | OR |
| Bloom size | 5" |
| Plant height | 4 ft |
| Year introduced | <1968 |
How to grow Hot Rod
Hot Rod is a WL with 4 ft tall with 5-inch blooms. Plant tubers 12–18 inches apart in full sun after the last frost. Pinch when plants reach 12 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Harvest & vase life
WL-form dahlias like Hot Rod harvest dahlias when blooms are three-quarters to fully open. With clean cuts and fresh water, most varieties last 4–7 days in the vase.
Where to buy Hot Rod tubers
Similar dahlia varieties
- Bracken Ballerina — WL, LB
- Bride To Be — WL, W
- Bridezilla — WL, W
- Carmen Bunky — WL, DP
- Carolina Wagemans — WL, DP
- Chateau De La Bourdaisiere — WL, PK
Frequently asked questions
How tall does Hot Rod grow?
Hot Rod grows to about 4 ft.
What color is Hot Rod?
OR — ADS color classification for Hot Rod.
Is Hot Rod good for cut flowers?
Yes. Dahlias are among the most popular cut flowers for home and market growers. Expect 4–7-day vase life with proper hydration.