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RHS Collections

dahlia collection

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to October
• Other features: excellent cut-flowers
• Hardiness: half hardy
  
  In each collection you will receive one tuber of each of the following cultivars.
  
  Producing an abundance of colourful flowers for several months from midsummer on the stout, upright stems, these showy tuberous perennials will put on a wonderful display in the border. ‘Karma Series’ Dahlias however were originally bred for the cut flower market and the flowers can last for up to 12 days in a vase. They are not fully hardy, however in many areas they can be overwintered in the ground as long as they are protected by a generous, insulating mulch of compost or straw. Alternatively you should wait until the first hard frost has blackened the flowers and foliage, then lift the tubers and store them in dry sand in a frost-free place. In colder areas it may be easier to grow them in a pot so they can easily be moved to an unheated greenhouse or conservatory in winter.
  
  Dahlia 'Karma Choc' (PBR): From amongst the clumps of purple-flushed foliage, near-black stems arise bearing small, chocolate coloured flowerheads, which mature to a dark maroon. Their velvety texture and rich colouring will add a sumptuous feel to summer planting schemes. Grows to 90cm.
  
  Dahlia 'Karma Fuchsiana' : Hot pink ray florets, which are a vibrant shade of lime-yellow near their bases, give the flowerhead a luminous quality that really stands out against the dark green foliage. A superb cultivar, it will mix with most shades of pink, plum and purple. Grows to 80cm.
  
  Dahlia 'Karma Pink Corona' (PBR) :Broad-based ray florets that become recurved towards their pointed tips, form fully double, semi-cactus flowerheads. Their rose-pink colouring is enhanced with irregular, deeper pink streaks that run along the length of their petals. Grows to 90cm.
  
  
• Garden care: Dahlia tubers can be planted outside after frost, or started off in pots under glass in late winter to early spring. Plant them horizontally approximately 12cm deep, making sure the ‘eyes’ are uppermost. Allow enough room between each tuber so the plants can grow and spread to their full size without being over-crowded. While in growth, provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September. Stake with canes or brushwood if it becomes necessary. In mild areas, leave them in situ over winter, but protect the crown with a generous layer of dry mulch. In colder areas, carefully lift and clean the tubers once the first frosts have blackened the foliage and allow them to dry naturally indoors. Then place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite and store in a frost-free place until planting out again.
  
  

items included (click on thumbnail for more info)

Plant		Price	Qty.	Availability	Total
	Dahlia 'Karma Fuschiana' dahlia bulbs	£0.00	0	available to order from summer 2012	£0.00
	Dahlia 'Karma Choc' ® dahlia bulbs	£0.00	0	available to order from summer 2012	£0.00
	Dahlia 'Karma Pink Corona' dahlia bulbs	£0.00	0	available to order from summer 2012	£0.00