Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | Pink Yellow | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Dahlia are tuberous rooted perennials with pinnately divided leaves and showy flowerheads, double in many cultivars, in summer and autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant tubers 10-15cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back to near ground level in the autumn, then, in mild areas and on well-drained soils leave the tuber in the ground protected with a deep organic mulch; in colder areas or on heavy soils, lift and store the tubers; see dahlia cutlivation
Propagation
Propagate from softwood cuttings in spring taken from stored tubers or divide the tubers ensuring each division has a viable bud
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back to the ground in autumn and either lift and store for the winter or mulch well and leave in place in milder regions
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, capsid bugs, earwigs, caterpillars, slugs, glasshouse red spider mite and onion thrips
Diseases
May be susceptible to a virus; tubers may rot in storage
Get involved
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