When it comes to dahlias, few varieties offer the drama, richness, and elegance of the Crème de Cognac dahlia. With its warm, moody hues and velvety texture, this unique bloom has quickly become a favorite among flower farmers, designers, and gardeners alike. Whether you're looking to add depth to your cutting garden or searching for the perfect statement flower for fall bouquets, Crème de Cognac is the variety you didn't know you needed — until now.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into what makes this dahlia so special, how to grow it successfully, and why it's a must-have for seasonal arrangements and fall weddings. If you’re farming in USDA Zone 8B like us here at Prickly Petal Flower Farm, or anywhere with a long enough growing season, this bloom will reward you with beauty and versatility season after season.
What Makes Crème de Cognac So Special?
The Crème de Cognac dahlia isn’t your average flower. Where many dahlias lean into bold brights or classic pastels, this variety brings a whole new palette to the garden — one inspired by the richness of aged liquor and autumn leaves.
Unique Color Tones
Crème de Cognac features blooms in a warm, smoky blend of bronze, plum, and muted caramel. The petals appear to shift in tone depending on the light and temperature — ranging from soft cinnamon to deep garnet. It's a flower that truly looks like it's been kissed by the golden hour.
These rich tones make it an excellent transitional bloom between summer’s vibrant colors and the deeper hues of fall. Whether you're designing for a sunset-inspired bouquet or a harvest-themed event, Crème de Cognac adds depth and mood to any color story.
Perfect Bloom Size
This variety typically produces 4 to 6-inch decorative-style blooms, large enough to make an impact in arrangements but not so heavy that they require excessive support. The rounded, soft petals unfurl in tidy layers, giving each flower a plush, velvety look.
A Designer’s Favorite
Crème de Cognac is growing in popularity among floral designers, especially for autumn weddings, moody arrangements, and textured bouquets. It pairs beautifully with blush, dusty rose, burgundy, and cream — making it both versatile and unforgettable. It’s also an excellent focal flower in market bouquets or CSA subscriptions.
Growing Crème de Cognac in Your Garden
Crème de Cognac grows well in most USDA zones 7–10 and can be grown as an annual in colder regions with a shorter season. At Prickly Petal Flower Farm in Zone 8B, we plant our dahlia tubers in spring once the soil has warmed to at least 60°F and all danger of frost has passed.
Quick Growing Facts:
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Plant Height: Approx. 4 feet
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Bloom Size: 4–6 inches
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Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
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Light Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
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Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Planting Tips:
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Choose a Sunny Spot: Dahlias thrive in full sun, and Crème de Cognac is no exception. Give it plenty of light to encourage strong stems and plentiful blooms.
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Prep the Soil: Work compost or aged manure into your garden bed before planting. Dahlias love nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
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Planting Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep with the eye facing up. Space them 12–18 inches apart to allow airflow and reduce disease risk.
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Support Early: These plants can get tall and top-heavy. Add a stake or trellis at the time of planting to avoid damaging roots later.
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Water Wisely: Water sparingly until green shoots emerge. After that, water deeply 2–3 times per week depending on your soil and weather.
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Pinch for More Blooms: Once the plant is about 12 inches tall, pinch the top growth to encourage bushier plants and more blooms.
Harvesting and Using Crème de Cognac
Crème de Cognac is a fabulous cut flower. Blooms have a good vase life (5–7 days), and their strong stems make them easy to work with in arrangements.
When to Harvest:
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Harvest blooms when they’re fully open and petals are firm but not papery.
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Cut early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
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Place stems immediately in clean water and allow them to hydrate for several hours before arranging.
Bouquet Pairing Suggestions:
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Blush Dahlias (like Café au Lait or Sweet Nathalie)
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Dusty Rose Garden Roses
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Cream Lisianthus
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Toffee Roses or Brown Ranunculus
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Grasses, Amaranthus, or Seeded Eucalyptus
Crème de Cognac also holds its own in minimalist arrangements. A few stems in a simple ceramic vase can elevate any room with a touch of warmth and rustic sophistication.
Overwintering and Tuber Care
In warmer zones like 8B and up, you may be able to leave your tubers in the ground with a thick mulch layer. In cooler zones, you’ll need to dig and store your tubers for the winter.
Digging & Storing:
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Wait until the plant dies back after the first frost.
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Gently dig up tubers, remove soil, and let them dry for a few days.
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Store in a cool, dark place (like a basement) in peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite.
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Check monthly for signs of rot or dehydration.
With proper storage, Crème de Cognac tubers can be divided and replanted year after year — making them not just a stunning flower, but a smart investment for your garden or flower business.
Where to Buy Crème de Cognac Dahlia Tubers
Looking to add this unique variety to your garden next season? We offer Crème de Cognac dahlia tubers here at Prickly Petal Flower Farm, with shipping beginning April 15th, weather permitting. Each tuber is guaranteed to have a visible eye and a healthy neck, so you can grow with confidence.
Our tubers are grown with care in North Carolina and selected for both home gardeners and professional growers who appreciate beauty with character. Due to its growing popularity and limited availability, this variety often sells out quickly — so be sure to snag yours early!
Final Thoughts: Why We Love Crème de Cognac
At Prickly Petal Flower Farm, Crème de Cognac has earned a permanent place in our dahlia beds. It offers something a little different — a bloom that’s both refined and rustic, romantic and mysterious. It brings warmth to early fall bouquets and depth to the summer garden.
If you're looking for a dahlia that will spark conversations and bring something new to your floral lineup, Crème de Cognac might just be the one.
Ready to grow this moody masterpiece? Shop our tubers here and bring home the magic of Crème de Cognac.