Southcombe dahlia collection
dahlia collection
A warm, sunset-inspired mix of dahlias that brings plenty of colour and flower power to the garden from midsummer onwards. Rich red, plum, peach, apricot and bronze tones combine across rounded blooms and impressive dinner-plate flowers, giving the collection plenty of variety in both colour and scale.
All three are excellent for cutting, with strong stems and long-lasting flowers that work beautifully in summer bouquets. As the first flush of perennials starts to fade, these dahlias keep sunny borders looking full and colourful right through to the first frosts.
All three are excellent for cutting, with strong stems and long-lasting flowers that work beautifully in summer bouquets. As the first flush of perennials starts to fade, these dahlias keep sunny borders looking full and colourful right through to the first frosts.
How to care for Southcombe dahlia collection:
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 (5in) deep, making sure the ‘eyes’ are uppermost. Allow enough room between each tuber so the plants can grow and spread to their full size being over-crowded.
Potted plants should be protected from frost in a well-lit location such as a frost-free greenhouse, cold porch, or cold-frame. Gradually acclimatise (harden-off) in mid-late spring before planting out into borders, protecting from late frosts with cloches or horticultural fleece.
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.
Potted plants should be protected from frost in a well-lit location such as a frost-free greenhouse, cold porch, or cold-frame. Gradually acclimatise (harden-off) in mid-late spring before planting out into borders, protecting from late frosts with cloches or horticultural fleece.
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.
What's included:
In each collection you will receive the following dahlia tubers:
1 × Dahlia 'Missis Miley': A vibrant ‘decorative’ dahlia showcasing warm red tones with a plum-purple centre - a delight for interior floral displays and late summer borders alike. This robust perennial boasts an abundance of 10cm (4in) fully double blooms, gracing the garden from midsummer until the first frosts, and notably, Dahlia 'Misses Miley' extends the beauty of borders and beds well into the season after early perennials have faded, adding depth and brilliance to the garden at this time of year. Grows to 90cm.
1 × Dahlia 'Linda's Baby': 'Linda’s Baby' reaches a modest height with delightful, neatly incurved light peach-pink petals, creating a flattened ball measuring 8-10cm (3-4in) across. With soft pink sherbet hues and subtle yellow undertones, this dahlia radiates charm, beloved by flower arrangers for its enduring peach-toned petals that last long in the vase. Grows to 90cm.
1 × Dahlia 'Babylon Brons': A stunning and eye-catching dahlia with large, fully-double bronze and apricot flowerheads, adorned with flashes of vibrant pink. Standing modestly at about 1m (3ft), this tuberous-rooted perennial boasts strong stems and mid-green foliage, providing a perfect backdrop for its mesmerising flowers which can reach up to 25cm (10in) across. Despite its impressive dinner-plate size ‘Babylon Brons’ is surprisingly sturdy, rarely becoming top-heavy, while florists highly regard the cultivar for its ultra-trendy coral tones, impressive stem length, and long vase life. Grows to 1m.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
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This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
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Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
