Bracken Sarah Decorative Dahlia

Bracken Sarah Decorative Dahlia

Imagine a bouquet of illuminated warmth—Bracken Sarah greets your garden with softly glowing blooms that shift from creamy melon to apricot-tinged peach, depending on the light and season. Its formal decorative petals unfurl in beautifully sculpted layers atop tall, unwavering stems, offering a luminous centerpiece that enchants both the garden and any vase. This cultivar embodies elegance and subtle transformation, inviting gardeners to experience its dynamic beauty from midsummer through fall.

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Details

• Form: Formal Decorative 

• Bloom Size: Medium-large, approx. 6–8 in (some sources note 4–5 in or 6–7 in, depending on grow conditions) 

• Plant Height: Medium to tall—around 4–5 ft (3–4 ft; some variability) 

• Stem Strength: Long and strong, excellent for cutting 

• Unicorn Status: Rare to uncommon—prized for its shifting palette and refined look

• Primary Color: Creamy melon to soft buttery-yellow transitioning to apricot-peach 

• Secondary Color: Subtle blush, golden highlights, or peachy tones depending on light and season 

• Plant ID: 

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A Bit of History

Introduced by Neville W. Naumann in 2007, the Bracken Sarah (ADS classification 2010, color code YL5 OR5) has become a standout among dahlia enthusiasts . Nurseries often describe it as glowing, with coloration that ranges from soft yellow in full sun to warm apricot-peach in shaded conditions . Its ability to bloom steadily from midseason into frost, combined with its reliability and supportive stems, has earned it admiration for garden beds and refined floral work alike .

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Ideal For

• Cutting gardens & bouquets – long, sturdy stems and luminous blooms make for standout arrangements

• Borders & garden highlights – adds soft, glowing focal points to mixed perennial beds

• Wedding decor & elegant displays – warm, romantic tones elevate tablescapes and centerpieces

• Extended-season interest – its midseason start and long bloom into fall keep life vibrant late in the garden

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Pairs Well With

Dahlia “Cafe au Lait” – the creamy, warm tones harmonize beautifully, creating soft elegance

Salvia “May Night” – deep purplish-blue spikes provide striking contrast to Bracken Sarah’s warmth

Aster “Grace” (lavender) – adds a sweet, pastel counterpoint that highlights peachy hues and adds airy texture