Dahlia Garden

Typical bloom time: June through October – Peak in August and September

Dahlias were one of the first flowers that Gardens' founder Ernest Schoefer planted. At the time they were located in what is now the Perennial Garden. In the early 1980s, they were eventually moved to their current location on the South trail just past the Vegetable Garden.

The Dahlia Garden is one of the most favored locations at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The Gardens' collection of dahlias consists of more than 625 individual plants representing 150 varieties. The riotous blooms of mid- to late-summer provide an exquisite palette for artists and a glorious backdrop for weddings. 

Dahlias are a tuberous, shrubby plant and are used both as a display garden at MCBG, and around the perimeter of the Vegetable Garden, because they are deer resistant.

Dahlias are named for the Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl and are members of the plant family Asteraceae. They were first discovered in Mexico and are endemic to Central and South America. The Aztec Herbal Manuscript indicates that the dahlia plant was used in the treatment of urinary disorders and epilepsy. In 1789, the genus Dahlia was first introduced to Europe at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Madrid. Nine years later, this genus was introduced to the Kew Gardens. Dahlias come in a range of forms and colors and with proper care, can be an easy addition to temperate gardens.

Dahlia Delirium, a video by Jules and Effin Older

In Praise of Dahlias by former MCBG Horticulturist, Mario Abreu

To see more photos of our dramatic Dahlias, visit the Photo Gallery.

Dahlia Garden Project

The Dahlia Garden received some much-needed repairs and improvements in 2023. The stage required repair after years of use and coastal weather led to rotten wood. MCBG Staff and Volunteers were able to rebuild the stage with very few changes to its original form. We also made adjustments to the dahlia beds and the landscape surrounding the garden, adding new trails to help you get a closer look at those dazzling dahlias. We made enhancements to the space to improve traffic flow, aesthetics, and plant health. The end result – a return to the stunning, awe-inspiring intimacy that the MCBG Dahlia Garden is known for.