Wuthering heights dahlia collection
dahlia collection
For a bold, dramatic display, this collection combines deep red, velvety burgundy and near-black blooms with richly coloured foliage.
Large flowers make a strong statement in sunny borders, while the mix of semi-cactus and fuller, rounded forms adds useful contrast to the planting. The darker palette is particularly effective alongside grasses, pale flowers and silver foliage, and all three varieties make excellent cut flowers.
Flowering from midsummer until the first frosts, they bring plenty of late-season colour for home and garden.
Large flowers make a strong statement in sunny borders, while the mix of semi-cactus and fuller, rounded forms adds useful contrast to the planting. The darker palette is particularly effective alongside grasses, pale flowers and silver foliage, and all three varieties make excellent cut flowers.
Flowering from midsummer until the first frosts, they bring plenty of late-season colour for home and garden.
How to care for Wuthering heights 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 'All Directions': The RHS Award-winning Dahlia ‘All Directions’ produces striking, large flowers up to 10cm (4in) across. The outer petals are a vivid, eye-catching red at the tips, gently softening as they move inward, each marked with a warm reddish-orange flush at the base. At the centre, the inner petals deepen in drama, opening a rich, slightly purplish red before darkening further toward the base, where subtle pale greenish-yellow tones highlight both the petal bases and their veins. Grows to 1.2m.
1 × Dahlia 'Black Jack': This fabulous, show-stopping, semi-cactus dahlia produces dark purple, dinner-plate sized blooms that are near black in appearance. Contrasting with mid-green foliage, Dahlia ‘Black Jack’ is a superb addition to any garden border, patio pot display, or a sumptuous choice for a cut flower vase. Grows to 1.4m.
1 × Dahlia 'Seniors 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. Grows to 90cm.
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
