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Kelvin Floodlight
Decorative; giant ‘dinnerplate’
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Decorative; giant ‘dinnerplate’
- Height × spread: 3-4 ft × 1.5-2 ft (0.9-1.2 m × 45-60 cm)
- Bloom window: mid‑summer to frost
- Color & flower form: clear yellow; very large double decorative
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most regions; may overwinter in ground in Zone 7 to 10 where soils are well‑drained
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut‑flower notes: very large heads; stems can be heavy; typical vase life 3 to 5 days when cut at early maturity.
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Produces some of the largest blooms among dahlias.
- Yellow color reads bright at a distance compared with many garden types.
- Stems are thicker than average but still need support in wind.
- Not ideal for small containers due to stature.
Strengths
- Show‑stopping flower size.
- Summer‑long color where deadheaded.
- Works as a focal point in large beds.
Care in one minute
Site: full sun; fertile loam with excellent drainage; pH near neutral.
Water: provide deep, regular watering; avoid saturated soils.
Feeding: moderate feeding; avoid excess nitrogen that promotes weak growth.
Training: pinch once at 12 to 18 in; stake and tie stems; deadhead spent flowers.
Overwintering: lift and cure tubers after frost and store around 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C), or mulch well and risk in‑ground storage only in mild, well‑drained Zone 7 to 10 sites.
Watch‑outs
- Large blooms can catch rain and weigh down stems; staking helps.
- Bloom size and quality can drop in extreme heat or drought.
- Frost‑tender tubers need winter storage outside mild zones.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Long‑grown exhibition‑type dinnerplate dahlia; specific breeder details are not verified in noncommercial records.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Dahlia ‘Kelvin Floodlight’ (plant profile)
- Oregon State University Extension – Dahlias in Oregon: overwintering options by USDA zonedahlias-oregon
- NC State Extension – Dahlia (care profile)
- ASPCA – Dahlia toxicity to pets
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