A tuberous-rooted perennial, to 1.3m tall, with very dark foliage and a vivid magenta-pink single flower with a narrow red ring round the dark red disc and golden-orange anthers
Position
Soil Types
Max Height
1-1.5 metres
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
A tuberous-rooted perennial, to 1.3m tall, with very dark foliage and a vivid magenta-pink single flower with a narrow red ring round the dark red disc and golden-orange anthers
1-1.5 metres
0.5-1 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter, in full sun. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushy plants and stake - see staking perennials. Water as needed in dry periods. Lift and store tubers in autumn to replant, or use as a source of cuttings, in spring. See dahlia cultivation and our video How to plant dahlia tubers and care tips
Propagate by softwood cuttings taken in spring from shoots from stored tubers, or divide the tubers ensuring each division has a viable bud
Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back to near ground level in the autumn, before lifting and storing for the winter
Leaf miners, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and slugs are common pests. Earwigs sometimes damage blooms. Capsid bug and caterpillars are occasional pests
May be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions and grey moulds in wet weather. Fungal rots can also damage stored tubers. A virus may cause stunting, leaf markings and distortion
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