Berry dahlia collection
dahlia collection
This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Fertile, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: Half hardy (may need winter protection)
A comprehensive bright and bonny collection of berry-inspired pinks, raspberry and wine-reds for mass garden plantings and exuberantly fruity, late summer flower vases.
In each collection you will receive one tuber of each of the following:
Dahlia 'Senior's Hope': A sophisticated and elegant tuberous-rooted perennial, boasting dark stems and lightly bronzed, dark green foliage that forms a striking contrast with its blooms. From mid-summer until the first frost, this cultivar produces captivating fully double flowers with dusky, antique purple petals, tinged with rich velvety red, 10cm (4in) across. ‘Senior’s Hope’ stands out amidst borders, adding eye-catching charm when intermingled with deep maroons and vivid purples like Miscanthus 'Red Cloud', Dahlia 'Black Jack', and Verbena bonariensis.
Dahlia 'Seniors Darkness': Initially near-black, the inrolled petals open out and fade to rich magenta as they age. Forming 20cm wide flowerheads that top long, darkly coloured stems, this dahlia is often grown for its cut flowers. It also looks sensational in the border. Grows to 1m.
Dahlia 'Burlesca': Tightly inrolled petal-like rays form rounded heads, up to 5cm across, on slender stems that turn crimson as they age. The colouring of these flowerheads is an exquisite blend of warm apricot, which turns dusky plum as they mature. This colouring is quite distinctive - and it makes them ideal for tying in different colourways in the planting scheme. Grows to 1m.
Dahlia 'Silver Years': This mesmerising variety blooms abundantly midsummer through frost, flaunting voluminous double blossoms in captivating hues. Magnificent 10cm (4in) flowers reveal soft blush pink petals, each delicately veined with purple upon a cream interior. Such elegance arising from serrated dark foliage makes 'Silver Years' an eye-catching backdrop for white garden themes or arrangements. Grows to 1.2m.
Dahlia 'Salmon Runner': A resplendent dahlia boasting numerous dusky salmon-pink flowers atop robust and sturdy stems contributing both style and substance to romantic or cut flower border and container displays. This free-flowering cultivar showcases approximately 11cm (4in) wide delicately formed blooms, blending seamlessly into pastel themed, cottage garden borders. The shapely petals, soft salmon-pink at the centre fading to white at the edges, deepen in hue over time, rendering each 'Salmon Runner' flower delightfully unique. Grows to 1.2m.
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 overcrowded. 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.
- Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten