RM Lemon Ice Dahlia

Cool as ice, with just enough sunshine to keep things interesting. RM Lemon Ice is a beautiful 2026 introduction from Hailey Sly of River Merle Farm in Washington, featuring 3½–4-inch Miniature Formal Decorative blooms in soft, icy yellow with shimmering golden tips. Delicate pinstriping and subtle lavender undertones on the backs of the petals add an unexpected touch of color to this elegant American-bred dahlia.

Full Description

Some dahlias practically shout for attention with brilliant reds, fiery oranges, and colors that can be spotted from the next county.

RM Lemon Ice takes a different approach.

It's cool, sophisticated, and quietly spectacular.

Introduced in 2026 by Hailey Sly of River Merle Farm in Washington, RM Lemon Ice features beautifully formed flowers in a soft, icy shade of yellow. The petals are delicately tipped with warmer gold, creating a subtle contrast that gives each bloom a luminous appearance.

But the real magic is in the details.

Fine pinstriping adds interest to the petals, while faint lavender undertones on their reverse introduce an unexpected touch of cool color. Depending on how the flower is positioned, those lavender hints can create a lovely contrast with the pale yellow face of the bloom.

It's an unusual combination that gives RM Lemon Ice far more personality than the words yellow dahlia might suggest.

The flowers measure approximately 3½–4 inches across and have a Miniature Formal Decorative form, with neatly arranged petals creating full, rounded blooms.

That manageable flower size makes RM Lemon Ice particularly attractive for mixed bouquets. Its soft coloring pairs beautifully with white, cream, blush, pale lavender, and other pastel dahlias, while the golden highlights offer just enough warmth to keep an arrangement from looking washed out.

The original breeder reports plants reaching approximately 5–5½ feet tall, although another grower has recorded a shorter height of around 4 feet. As with many dahlias, final height can vary with growing conditions.

Because of its potential height, I recommend providing sturdy support early in the season.

River Merle Farm specifically identifies RM Lemon Ice as a good choice for cut flowers and bouquets. However, reliable cultivar-specific measurements of vase life, stem strength, and productivity have not yet been established across multiple growers.

As a relatively new introduction, RM Lemon Ice still has some growing history to accumulate.

What we can appreciate right now is its beautiful combination of flower form, delicate coloring, and those unexpected lavender undertones.

For gardeners who enjoy subtle colors and interesting details, this is one worth a closer look.

At a Glance

• Variety: RM Lemon Ice

• Flower Form: Miniature Formal Decorative (M FD)

• ADS Color Listing: Yellow (Y)

• Bloom Size: Approximately 3½–4 inches

• Color: Icy pale yellow with golden tips, delicate pinstriping, and subtle lavender undertones on the petal reverse

• Plant Height: Approximately 5–5½ feet according to the breeder; height may vary

• Cut Flower Use: Recommended by the breeder for bouquets and floral arrangements

• Plant Support: Recommended due to potential height

• Introduction Year: 2026

• Country of Origin: United States

Breeder Information

Breeder: Hailey Sly
Breeding Farm: River Merle Farm
Location: Washington, USA
Country of Origin: United States
Introduction: 2026

RM Lemon Ice is an original introduction from Hailey Sly of River Merle Farm, the American breeding program behind the RM series of dahlias.

The variety combines soft yellow coloring with golden petal tips, delicate striping, and lavender undertones, producing an elegant flower with an unusual interplay of warm and cool shades.

Its approximately 4-inch Formal Decorative blooms make it an appealing addition to gardens and floral arrangements.

Moose's Take

I've always thought the name Lemon Ice sounded like something I ought to be ordering on a hot summer afternoon.

Preferably while sitting in the shade, with absolutely no greenhouse chores waiting for me.

Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to make that happen very often.

But this dahlia certainly looks refreshing.

I love the combination of that pale, icy yellow with the warmer golden tips. And then you turn a flower around and discover those subtle lavender tones hiding on the backs of the petals.

It's like finding out your lemonade has a secret ingredient.

The blooms are also a really useful size for floral arrangements. Not so big that they dominate everything around them, but substantial enough to make an impression.

And with plants potentially reaching 5½ feet tall, this little frozen dessert apparently comes in a family-sized serving.

RM Lemon Ice won't keep you cool during a July heat wave.

But it might make you forget about the temperature for a minute or two.

And around here, I'll