Baccara Dahlia Tubers

• Variety: Baccara
• Type: Decorative (small)
• Colour: True burgundy. Wine-dark, without purple undertones
• Flower size: 14cm across
• Height: 120cm
• Spread: 60cm
• Flowering: July to November
• Cutting: Yes. Versatile colour works in almost any arrangement
• RHS AGM: No
• Sold as: Single tubers, hand-graded, Dutch first-class quality
• Plant outdoors: March to July, when soil reaches 15°C (typically May in most of the UK)
• Delivered: From March. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Baccara: A True Burgundy Dahlia Without the Purple

Most dark red dahlias lean purple. Baccara doesn't. The colour is a true, clean burgundy, the colour of good Bordeaux wine, without the blue-purple cast that makes varieties like Dark Spirit read as near-black. That distinction matters if you're trying to build a warm autumn scheme. Baccara sits on the red side of dark, not the purple side.

The flowers are 14cm across, neatly formed, fully double decorative with overlapping petals that create a tidy, almost formal structure. At 120cm the plant is tall, with good green foliage and long stems for cutting. In floral arrangements, Baccara's warm burgundy is one of the most versatile dark dahlia colours: it works with peaches, apricots, creams, oranges and reds without pulling the scheme towards blue.

The name almost certainly comes from the card game Baccarat, which is appropriate for a flower this poised. Nothing shaggy or informal here. Baccara looks like it dressed for dinner.

What Goes with Baccara

The warm burgundy pairs naturally with autumn tones. Plant behind David Howard (burnt orange, dark foliage) for a scheme where the warm burgundy and warm orange play off each other's depths. The terracotta ball Brown Sugar bridges the colour gap with its apricot-copper tones. For lighter contrast, the shifting blush of Cafe au Lait Royal (dusky pink, same height) makes the burgundy glow. Late Helenium and Sedum extend the warm palette.

Why Ashridge?

Our dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded by us. We discard undersized tubers so you get a clump with viable eyes, ready to grow. Delivered by next-day courier from March, with our one-year plant guarantee, Which? Best Plant Supplier, and the team in Somerset. Browse our full decorative dahlia range or the complete dahlia collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Baccara differ from other dark dahlias?

Colour temperature. Dark Spirit is a cool, near-black burgundy with purple undertones. Rip City is a deep wine-red with a black heart. Baccara is a warm, clean burgundy without the blue-purple cast. In arrangements with peaches and oranges, Baccara blends where the others contrast.

Is Baccara good for cutting?

Very. The 14cm flowers are a good size for arrangements, the stems are long and strong, and the warm burgundy colour is one of the most versatile dark tones in floristry. Pick fully open flowers, condition in hot water for an hour. Expect five to six days.

Can I grow Baccara in a pot?

At 120cm it's on the tall side for a container. In a large pot (at least 35cm across) with a stake and sheltered position, it'll work. For a dark dahlia that's more naturally suited to pots, Dark Spirit (90cm, compact) is a better fit. Our container guide covers the options.

What does "Baccara" mean?

Almost certainly named after the card game Baccarat, the favourite of James Bond and high-stakes casino gamblers. The spelling drops the final 't,' which is also a common French variant. An appropriate name for a flower this elegant.

Does it need staking?

At 120cm with 14cm flowers, yes. The stems are good but the height makes it vulnerable in wind. A cane per main stem or a support ring around the clump. Full planting and care advice in our dahlia growing guide.