Wine Eyed Jill Dahlia Tubers

• Variety: Wine Eyed Jill
• Type: Ball dahlia
• Colour: Soft peach-pink with a deep wine-purple centre. Each bloom blends sunset shades
• Flower size: 7 to 10cm across
• Height: 90cm
• Spread: 80cm
• Flowering: July to November
• Cutting: Yes. Strong stems, excellent vase life
• 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

Wine Eyed Jill: A Ball Dahlia with Two Colours in Every Bloom

Most bicoloured dahlias split their colours between petals. Wine Eyed Jill does something more interesting. Each petal runs from deep wine-purple at the base to soft peach, apricot or cream at the tip, so every bloom is a gradient rather than a pattern. The dark centre gives the flower a warm, smoky depth that makes it look more expensive than a dahlia has any right to.

The ball form keeps things neat: petals curling inward in tight spirals to build those satisfying little globes, 7 to 10cm across. At 90cm with a generous 80cm spread, the plant is bushy and productive, filling its space without getting leggy. It doesn't need heavy staking, though a light support ring is sensible insurance.

The stems are strong enough for cutting, and the flowers last well in water. Wine Eyed Jill is one of those dahlias that earns its space three ways: good in the border, good in a vase, and good in a pot.

What Goes with Wine Eyed Jill

The smoky, dusky tones suit romantic planting schemes. Plant alongside Cafe au Lait Royal (shifting pink dinnerplate) for a scheme that runs from muted peach through dusky rose in two completely different flower forms. For picking up the purple centre, try Rocco (vibrant fuchsia pompon, 75cm) at the border front. Gerrie Hoek (shell pink waterlily, a cutting garden favourite since 1945) brings a softer, flatter flower shape alongside the round balls. Salvia 'Amistad' or Penstemon 'Raven' will pick up those deep purple tones at a lower level. Soft grasses like Stipa tenuissima bring the prairie feel that suits these muted colours.

Why Ashridge?

Our dahlia tubers are Dutch first-class quality, imported direct and hand-graded. 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, Feefo Platinum Service Award, and human support from the team in Somerset. Browse our other ball dahlias or the complete dahlia collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wine Eyed Jill good for cutting?

Very. The ball form and strong stems make it ideal for arrangements, and the bicolour gradient looks beautiful in a vase. It pairs well with simpler single-colour dahlias where the gradient can be the star. Only pick fully open flowers, cut early in the morning, and condition stems in hot water for an hour.

Will Wine Eyed Jill grow in a pot?

At 90cm with mid-sized flowers, it works well in a container of at least 30cm across. Feed fortnightly from June and water regularly. The bushy habit (80cm spread) means one plant fills a pot nicely. Our container guide covers the essentials.

Does the colour change through the season?

The balance shifts slightly. Early-season flowers tend to have stronger purple centres with more obvious contrast. Later in autumn, the cooler nights soften the tones. The overall sunset quality stays consistent though. No two blooms are identical, which is part of the appeal.

How does Wine Eyed Jill compare to Checkers?

Checkers is a sharp, high-contrast bicolour: burgundy and white in defined patches. Wine Eyed Jill is softer, a gradient from purple to peach within each petal. Checkers is graphic, Wine Eyed Jill is painterly. Both are good cutters. Georgie Newberry rates Checkers highly for its form.

How do I overwinter the tubers?

After the first frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back to about 15cm, lift the tubers, brush off loose soil, and store somewhere cool, dark and frost-free. Check monthly for rot. Our overwintering dahlias guide walks through the whole process.