White Nettie – Miniature Ball Dahlia
Breeder: Swan Island Dahlias (Introduced in 1974)
White Nettie is the quintessential "little white dahlia." A sport of the heirloom Nettie, it inherits the same robust growth habits and prolific blooming nature. It is widely beloved by commercial florists for its resilient, "weatherproof" blooms and its ability to act as a luminous backdrop in any arrangement.
Color Profile: A creamy, warm white. Some growers note a soft ivory or "lemon chiffon" glow at the center, making it blend perfectly with both cool pastels and warm autumn tones.
Form: A Miniature Ball (MB) with a dense, geometrically perfect structure. Like most ball dahlias, it has a long, hearty vase life.
Bloom Size: Produces tidy 2–3.5" blossoms, the ideal "dainty" scale for handheld bridal bouquets.
Plant Height: Reaches a reliable 3–4' tall (36–48") with a vigorous, upright habit and strong stems.
Garden Performance: Known as a "huge tuber producer," it is often one of the first varieties to bloom in the field and continues to pump out flowers until the first frost.