How to Grow Beauty of Livermere
Wikimedia Commons
Beauty of Livermere
Dahlia × hybrida 'Beauty of Livermere'
flowerBeauty of Livermere is a stunning dahlia cultivar featuring large, deep crimson-red blooms with a classic decorative form. This tall, vigorous perennial (grown as an annual in colder climates) produces abundant flowers throughout summer and fall, making it a showstopper in gardens and excellent for cutting.
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Example Beauty of Livermere timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Beauty of Livermere
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Beauty of Livermere blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Beauty of Livermere dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; grown as annuals in cooler zones
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Sprouting
2-3 weeksTubers develop initial shoots and root systems underground
Plant after all frost danger has passed. Keep soil warm and consistently moist. Do not overwater or tubers may rot.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksStems elongate and leaves develop. Plant grows taller with multiple branching shoots
Stake or cage early for support (Beauty of Livermere can reach 4-5 feet). Remove center shoots when plant is 12 inches tall to encourage bushiness. Pinch out growing tips if needed.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at branch tips; visible swelling appears
Continue staking. Maintain consistent watering. Remove lower leaves if desired for air circulation and disease prevention.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (June through first frost)Large crimson-red decorative blooms open and display their full form
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Feed with balanced or phosphorus-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Stake tall stems as needed.
Decline
Variable, until first frostFlowering slows as temperatures cool; foliage begins to yellow
Stop fertilizing 6 weeks before first frost. Reduce watering. Dig and store tubers before hard frost for year-round storage in cool, dry location.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity.
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Remove affected flowers; use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or spinosad weekly if needed.
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects.
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and
Hand-pick; use copper barriers; apply diatomaceous earth around base; beer traps.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or fungicide; remove infected foliage.
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; store tubers in cool, dry conditions; discard affected tubers.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryDahlia petals are edible and add visual appeal and mild flavor to salads, desserts, and cocktails. Remove the bitter central core and use only fresh petals from untreated plants. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Design
CraftBeauty of Livermere's large, long-stemmed crimson blooms are exceptional for cutting and arrangement, lasting well in vases and prized by florists for wedding bouquets and event displays. [source]
Garden Display & Ornamental
HouseholdThis dahlia is a premier choice for summer and fall gardens, providing dramatic color and height as a backdrop plant or focal point in borders and mixed beds. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeDahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the bloom season, supporting local ecosystems and increasing garden biodiversity. [source]
Traditional Use
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, dahlia tubers and flowers have been used to support digestion and overall wellness, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when stems are turgid for longest vase life. Use sharp, clean shears and cut stems at an angle. Remove lower foliage that would sit below waterline. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water. For tuber storage: dig after first hard frost, shake off soil gently, cure in a cool dry place for 1-2 weeks, store at 45-50°F in peat moss or sand until spring replanting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Beauty of Livermere is named after Livermere Hall in Suffolk, England, and was introduced to horticulture in the mid-20th century
- 🌱 Dahlias produce tuberous roots that can be dug and stored to create unlimited free plants year after year—each tuber produces multiple 'eyes' that sprout into independent plants
- 🌱 The deep crimson color of this variety is enhanced in cooler fall weather, often becoming richer and more vibrant as temperatures drop before the first frost
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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