Marde Ross & Company Pink Waterlily Dora Dahlia Bare-Root Tuber — 5 Gallon Size, Showy Pink Waterlily Blooms

A Pink Waterlily Dora dahlia bare-root tuber in 5-gallon size that produces full, waterlily-style pink blooms about 80 days after planting.

Bring long-lasting, showy flowers to containers or garden beds with this 5-gallon size bare-root tuber from Marde Ross & Company. The Pink Waterlily Dora is prized for its layered, cupped petals and saturated pink tones that resemble waterlily blooms. Supplied by a licensed California nursery established in 1985, the tuber arrives ready to plant and develop into a long-season flowering clump when given basic dahlia care.

How do I plant the 5-gallon Pink Waterlily Dahlia tuber?

Plant one tuber per pot or space in the ground so the crown sits just at or slightly above the soil surface — this reduces rot and encourages a healthy shoot. Use well-draining potting mix or garden soil amended with compost. After planting, water lightly until shoots appear, then water more regularly as growth accelerates.

• Plant one tuber per container or garden hole; crown at soil level.
• Choose a 5-gallon pot or a garden spot with good drainage.
• Lightly water after planting; increase watering as stems develop.
• Avoid deep burial of the crown to minimize rot risk.

When will I see flowers from this Pink Waterlily Dora tuber?

Expect flowering in roughly 80 days from planting under typical warm-season conditions. Exact timing varies with climate, light exposure and care, but these tubers are sized to establish quickly and produce blooms within one growing season. Deadheading spent blooms helps extend the display.

• Average bloom time: about 80 days after planting.
• Full sun exposure speeds growth and flower production.
• Regular feeding and deadheading prolong the bloom period.
• Adjust expectations for cooler climates or short seasons.

What growing conditions suit the Pink Waterlily Dora best?

This dahlia thrives in full sun with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and consistent moisture during the active season. Container growers should use a quality potting mix and a 5-gallon (or larger) container to give the tuber room to expand. Support may be needed for taller stems when flower heads develop.

• Sun: full sun (6–8+ hours daily) for best blooms.
• Soil: fertile, well-draining soil amended with organic matter.
• Water: steady moisture while avoiding waterlogged conditions.
• Container: 5-gallon pot minimum; stake as blooms form if needed.

How do I care for the tuber through the season and winter?

During the growing season, feed with a balanced fertilizer and remove faded flowers to encourage new buds. In colder regions where frost occurs, lift and store tubers after the foliage is killed by frost; in warm climates they may stay in the ground with protection. Proper storage in dry, cool conditions preserves tubers for reblooming next year.

• Feed monthly with a balanced or bloom-boost fertilizer during growth.
• Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
• Lift and store tubers for winter in frost-prone areas.
• Keep stored tubers cool, dark and slightly dry to prevent rot.

Who is this for: The Pink Waterlily Dora 5-gallon bare-root tuber is ideal for gardeners who want large, waterlily-style pink blooms in containers or beds and need a tuber sized for quick establishment. It suits hobbyists seeking dramatic cut flowers, container gardeners with a sunny patio, or landscape plantings that benefit from season-long color. Backed by Marde Ross & Company — a licensed California nursery since 1985 — this tuber gives reliable starting size and clear planting instructions for both new and experienced growers.