RM Ursula Dahlia

Deep jewel-toned purple, shimmering magenta petals, and striking burgundy stems. RM Ursula is a dramatic new American dahlia that doesn't believe in blending into the background.

Some dahlias are subtle. RM Ursula apparently missed that meeting.

Introduced in 2026 by River Merle Farm in Olympia, Washington, this gorgeous dahlia produces richly colored blooms that range from deep purple to vibrant magenta. Delicate white tips may accent the petals, adding another dimension to an already captivating flower.

The blooms measure approximately 3½–4 inches across, with a beautifully layered Formal Decorative appearance. In the right light, the petals have an almost shimmering quality, making their saturated color even more impressive.

But the flowers are only part of the story.

RM Ursula grows approximately 4½ feet tall, with long, strong burgundy stems that beautifully complement the flowers. Dark foliage provides an equally striking backdrop, creating a plant with exceptional visual contrast.

Those sturdy stems and manageable bloom size make RM Ursula an appealing choice for cutting gardens, bouquets, and floral arrangements. The rich purple-magenta coloring works beautifully alongside lavender, blush, burgundy, and other jewel-toned flowers.

And if you're looking for something with serious garden presence, this one has plenty. Even among a collection of colorful dahlias, RM Ursula knows how to get noticed.

At a Glance

• Variety: RM Ursula

• Flower Form: Formal Decorative (FD); Miniature size class (M)

• Bloom Size: Approximately 3½–4 inches

• Color: Rich purple to saturated magenta, sometimes accented with delicate white petal tips

• Plant Height: Approximately 4½ feet

• Stem Strength: Long, strong burgundy stems

• Foliage: Dark green to burgundy-toned

• Cut Flower Use: Excellent potential for bouquets and floral arrangements

• Introduction: 2026

Breeder Information

Breeders: River Merle Farm — Hailey and Mike
Breeding Farm: River Merle Farm
Location: Olympia, Washington, USA
Country of Origin: United States
Year Introduced: 2026

RM Ursula is part of River Merle Farm's American dahlia breeding program, known for developing distinctive new varieties with memorable colors and interesting floral characteristics.

Moose's Take

With a name like Ursula, I suppose we shouldn't be surprised that this dahlia has a flair for the dramatic.

Those deep purple-magenta blooms, dark foliage, and burgundy stems give the whole plant a wonderfully theatrical appearance. And the occasional white-tipped petals are a pretty nice finishing touch.

The long, strong stems are particularly appealing to me because a beautiful flower isn't nearly as useful if you can't get it into a vase.

RM Ursula is still a new introduction, so there's more to learn about its long-term performance. But based on what growers have reported so far, this is one I'm excited to see growing.

And unlike the sea witch who shares her name, this Ursula won't ask you to surrender your voice. She'll just leave you speechless.