Hollyhill Cotton Candy - Fall

Hollyhill Cotton Candy is one of those dahlias that looks every bit as sweet as its name suggests. The blooms open in a clear, creamy pink that can range from soft blush to a richer cotton-candy pink, with long tubular petals curling inward and swirling around the center.

The incurved cactus form is what really gives this flower its personality. Instead of a broad, heavy bloom, the narrow petals create movement from every angle. At approximately 6–8 inches across, Hollyhill Cotton Candy has plenty of presence, but all of that petal movement keeps the flower feeling light and almost airy.

In our market bouquets, this is the kind of pink I reach for when I want something romantic without making the bunch feel overly traditional. It pairs beautifully with cream, blush, lavender, dusty rose, burgundy, and softer peach tones, and its unusual form brings instant texture alongside round ball and decorative dahlias.

For our local florists, Cotton Candy offers exactly the kind of contrast that makes a bucket more interesting. The long, straight stems are useful for design work, while those curled cactus petals provide a completely different silhouette from the fuller, more rounded varieties. Current growers consistently note its strong cut-flower qualities and long stems.

I especially like it for wedding work when a bride wants pink flowers that still have a little personality. In blush-and-cream arrangements it feels soft and romantic, while deeper mauve, wine, and berry tones can bring out a much more sophisticated side of the flower.

What I enjoy most about Hollyhill Cotton Candy is that it manages to be both pretty and interesting. The color draws you in first, but it is the twisting, incurved petals that make you stop and look at the bloom a little longer.

For the gardener who loves romantic pink color, dramatic petal movement, and a dahlia that brings real texture to the cutting garden, Hollyhill Cotton Candy is a beautiful variety to grow.

Bloom Color: Clear Pink / Cotton-Candy Pink
Bloom Form: Incurved Cactus
Bloom Size: B — Approximately 6–8 inches
Plant Height: Approximately 3–5 feet
Hybridizers: Ted & Margaret Kennedy
Introduced: 2010
Best For: Cutting gardens, market bouquets, florist work, weddings & exhibition