Florelie Candice Dahlia

Bred by Lorelie Merton of Florelie Seasonal Flowers in Australia and released in 2023, Florelie Candice is a spectacular medium decorative dahlia with large, richly colored blooms in deep watermelon pink. Occasional soft peach-orange petals add flashes of warmth, while a subtle purple tinge toward the center gives the flowers even more depth.

And Candice has a little personality when it comes to flower form.

Some blooms develop neat, beautifully symmetrical centers, while others show off wavy, ruffled inner petals and a more informal appearance. That natural variation gives each flower its own character without sacrificing the dramatic coloring that makes this variety so memorable.

The blooms are carried on strong, darkly colored stems that provide a striking contrast against the watermelon-pink petals. The breeder also reports good vase life for a larger-flowered dahlia, making Candice an appealing choice for cutting gardens, bouquets, and floral arrangements.

Plants grow approximately four feet tall, although actual height will vary with growing conditions. And while the blooms are already impressive, Lorelie notes that removing side buds may allow them to reach even larger, dinnerplate-like proportions. That's a possibility, not a guaranteed flower size.

Whether you're looking for bold color in the garden or dramatic flowers for the vase, Florelie Candice isn't interested in being overlooked.

At a Glance

• Color: Deep watermelon pink with occasional soft peach-orange petals and purple tones toward the center

• Flower Form: Medium Decorative; centers may appear symmetrical or informally ruffled

• Bloom Size: Large, showy blooms; exact diameter varies and is not specified by the breeder

• Plant Height: Approximately 4 feet (120 cm)

• Stems: Strong and darkly colored

• Vase Life: Good for a larger-flowered dahlia, according to the breeder

• Breeder: Lorelie Merton

• Breeding Program: Florelie Seasonal Flowers

• Origin: Australia

• Introduction: 2023

• Best Uses: Cut flowers, bouquets, floral arrangements, and garden displays

• Offered As: Rooted Dahlia Cutting

Moose's Take

Florelie Candice is what happens when a dahlia decides that being pretty simply isn't enough.

It wants watermelon-pink petals, a little orange for excitement, purple around the center, and dark stems to make sure everyone notices.

Then, just to keep things interesting, it occasionally rearranges its petals.

I've worked with people like that. The difference is that Candice actually looks good doing it.

Big flowers. Bold colors. Absolutely no interest in being subtle.

The Gardening Moose approves.