A fast-growing species of dahlia tree, which may reach a height of up to 4m or more in a season, with large, tropical-like green foliage and strong, hollow stems. Cup-shaped, soft pink flowers appear from mid-summer to October, but only after a long, hot summer
| 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 if 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
May be susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, glasshouse red spider mite and slugs. Earwigs sometimes damage blooms. Capsid bug and caterpillars are occasional pests
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews in dry conditions. In wet weather grey moulds and other fungal rots can be a problem. Fungal rots can also damage stored tubers. A virus may cause stunting, leaf markings and distortion