Hybridized by Lee Carlton at Goldenrod Gardens, the Tom Hodges dahlia is a heartfelt tribute to Lee’s cherished friend, Tom Hodges, who personally selected this exquisite variety.
This stunning dahlia boasts 4-5” bicolor blooms, with vibrant petals tipped in delicate white, perched on strong, dark stems atop a compact 3’ plant. Its upright growth habit makes it a perfect fit for containers or perennial borders, blending elegance with versatility. As a bicolor dahlia, its white tipping naturally varies with growing conditions like day length and temperature, lending each bloom a unique character.
Tom, who lived in Charleston, SC, with his wife Jenn, was diagnosed with ALS in 2020 and courageously battled the disease until his passing on April 5, 2025. Raised in Virginia amidst his mother’s vibrant peony garden, Tom’s love for flowers inspired Lee to honor him. Presented with several options, Tom chose this radiant dahlia as his favorite, a testament to his impeccable taste.
