Nicholas Informal Decorative Dahlia

Nicholas Informal Decorative Dahlia 

Add warmth and glow to your garden with Dahlia ‘Nicholas’, a vivacious bloom that feels like the golden hour wrapped in petals. Its full, informal decorative blooms open in lush apricot-orange tones, with deep rust-red at the base of each petal, fading into lighter peach or yellow highlights toward the center. The effect is at once soft and dramatic—a garden staple that commands attention without shouting, perfect for cutting bouquets, autumn borders, or simply enjoying on a quiet evening.

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Details

• Form: Informal Decorative (sometimes mistaken for waterlily style) 

• Bloom Size: ~ 6 inches (BB class = 4-6”) 

• Plant Height: ~ 4 feet (≈48 inches) 

• Stem Strength: Strong (sturdy stems suitable for cutting) 

• Unicorn Status: Common (widely offered by many growers) 

• Primary Color: Peach-Apricot / Orange 

• Secondary Color: Rust-Red (at petal bases) / subtle yellow or deeper tones as highlights 

• Plant ID: 

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A Bit of History

‘Nicholas’ was introduced around 2010 by Swan Island Dahlias in the Western U.S. It has become popular for its dependable performance, prolific blooming, and eye-catching coloration. Gardeners often appreciate how its warm hues deepen as the season progresses, giving the plant new character from mid-summer into fall. It’s also valued as a cut flower because its strong stems and generous bloom size make it a showy, long-lasting choice in arrangements.

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Ideal For

• Border gardens and mixed perennial beds – provides warm glow and contrast among cooler tones

• Cutting gardens and bouquets – strong stems and large blooms make great focal flowers

• Autumn floral designs – its colour warms up late-season arrangements beautifully

• Containers or patio displays – a single tuber can make quite an impact

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Pairs Well With

“Café au Lait” dahlia – the creamy neutrals of Café au Lait let Nicholas’s apricot-orange pop without overwhelming

“Thomas Edison” dahlia – rich violet-purple tones offer dramatic contrast to its warm palette

Salvia ‘Amistad’ or Russian Sage – cool blue-purples in foliage or spikes balance the warmth of the blooms and add texture