DL's The Special Rooted Cuttings Shipping Apr 1 - May 15

Short Teaser
A wildly coveted Dandelion Lane introduction that shifts from creamy and frilly to pink-purple and polished, all on a tall, ridiculously sturdy plant.

Full Description
DL’s The Special is bred by Melissa Langstraat of Dandelion Lane Dahlias in Lynden, Washington, USA, and it’s easy to see why this one has been getting so much attention. Introduced in 2025, this variety made a big splash right out of the gate and has quickly become one of those dahlias people spot once and then start plotting how to get their hands on it.

And here’s where it gets extra interesting: The Special does not stay in one neat little box all season. Melissa describes it as starting out more cream-toned, often with frillier, twistier, curlier petals and even some yellow tones. Later in the season, the blooms flatten out more and show stronger pink and purple hues. In other words, this flower has range. It is not out here living a one-note life.

In the garden, The Special is a bushy, incredibly sturdy plant that reaches about 5 to 5.5 feet tall with blooms around 4 inches across. It also earns bonus points for being an excellent tuber producer whether grown from a tuber or a cutting, with tubers that have been easy to store. Melissa also notes that it is a very good producer of seed, which adds another little badge of honor for the dahlia nerd crowd.

If you want a variety that feels a little more predictable and buttoned-up, this may not be your girl. But if you want something tall, strong, collectible, and full of personality, DL’s The Special absolutely lives up to the name. Moose Logic says when a flower starts out creamy, ends up pink-purple, throws shape changes into the mix, and still has half the dahlia world chasing it… yeah, that one might be special after all.

At a Glance
Breeder: Melissa Langstraat
Farm: Dandelion Lane Dahlias
Origin: Lynden, Washington, USA
Year Introduced: 2025
Bloom Size: About 4 inches
Plant Height: About 5–5.5 feet
Color: Seasonally variable—cream/yellow early, more pink and purple later
Form: Variable; DAHLIAaddict lists Miniature Informal Decorative, Light Blend
Why it’s loved: Tall sturdy plant, highly collectible, color-shifting blooms, good tuber production, and major personality