Dahlia Bohemian Spartacus is a tall, vigorous tuberous perennial with upright branching stems and divided mid-green foliage. Mature plants form substantial clumps and need discreet support because the large flowerheads can place considerable weight on the stems.
From midsummer until autumn frost, fully double informal decorative blooms open to dinnerplate scale. Long, narrow, recurved florets create a tousled outline in rich dark crimson to purplish red, each flower carrying its own unpredictable streaks and slashes of cream, gold, or pale yellow-orange. The stems are valuable for dramatic cutting.
Grow in fertile, humus-rich soil that remains evenly moist but drains freely, in full sun and shelter from strong winds. Plant after frost danger has passed, pinch young growth, support early, water deeply during dry periods, and deadhead often. Lift and store tubers where winter freezing would damage them, then replant after frost.