Pam Howden Waterlily Dahlia

Pam Howden Waterlily Dahlia 

The Pam Howden Dahlia enchants with blossoms awash in sunset tones — soft peachy-orange petals melting into warm yellow bases, with delicate rose highlights along the edges. The waterlily-shape gives the blooms a graceful, open saucer form, as if catching and holding the glow of dusk. On tall, strong stems, each flower elevates the garden’s palette, bringing light, warmth, and a glow that feels both natural and celebratory. Whether cut for bouquets or planted in the border, Pam Howden promises to draw eyes and hearts throughout the season.

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Details

• Form: Waterlily

• Bloom Size: BB or 4-6 inches (Medium-small) 

• Plant Height: ~3-4 ft (Medium) 

• Stem Strength: Strong (good for cutting) 

• Unicorn Status: Rareish / Collector favorite (well known, but valued in shows) 

• Primary Color: Peach-orange / soft orange tones 

• Secondary Color: Yellow base, rose/peach shading, hints of violet or darker tint on reverse of petals 

• Plant ID:

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A Bit of History

Pam Howden was bred in Australia in the mid-1990s, and has since become a beloved staple among enthusiasts of waterlily dahlias. Its sunset blend of color—peach, orange, yellow, with subtle rose and violet tones—makes it especially versatile in the garden or flower shows. The Royal Horticultural Society describes its blooms as raspberry-pink to peach, with yellow toward the base. It’s prized both for its aesthetic beauty and its reliability in bloom production for mid-summer through first frost. 

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Ideal For

Cutting gardens and fresh bouquet arrangements

Borders and beds needing warm, sunset tones

Cottage gardens or mixed color displays

Floral show benches or exhibition displays

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Pairs Well With

Café au Lait Dahlia — creamy neutrals to set off the peach-orange tones

Thomas Edison Dahlia — deeper sunset/pink tones for layered contrast

Silver or gray foliage plants (e.g. Dusty Miller, Artemisia) — to softly mute surroundings and make the warm colors glow