
Three inch wide single flowers in shades of pink top arching or upright flower stems from mid summer. This Mexican native is one of the hardiest forms, so may survive outside through the winter in sheltered gardens. Dahlia merckii is a towering beauty, which will provide long-lasting colour towards the back of a mixed border without becoming overpowering.
How to care for Dahlia merckii:
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.
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
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Goes well with
Verbena bonariensis
purple top
From £2.49
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9cm pot | £7.99 |
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2 litre pot | £17.99 |
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3 × 9cm pots | £17.99 |
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3 × 2 litre pots | £44.99 |
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approx 250 seeds | £2.49 |
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3 × packets (approx 750 seeds) | £6.00 |
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