dahlias - seasonal maintenance landscaping
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Tracey Cole

Delightful Dahlias – The Bold Blooms Every Garden Needs

Discover why dahlias are making a comeback in summer gardens! Learn about their vibrant blooms, varieties, and tips for planting.

Why Dahlias Deserve a Spot in Your Garden:

For stand-out displays in the flower border, dahlias are in a class of their own with their large, vivid, flamboyant blooms. Once a less popular choice for flower beds, dahlias are now making a strong comeback, and no summer garden should be without them. Their bold presence and array of colors bring life to any outdoor space.

Types and Varieties of Dahlias :

Dahlias are herbaceous, multi-stemmed plants that come in a wide range of flower head forms: single-flowered, double-flowered, and ball-shaped ‘Pom Poms.’ Dwarf varieties, growing to approximately 30cm to 40cm, are especially popular for borders and feature single or double flower heads. Their blooms are available in a stunning palette, including russet, pink, white, violet, yellow, orange, and red, with variations of these shades. Single-flowered dahlias are particularly attractive to pollinators due to their accessible centers, making them both beautiful and beneficial to your garden.

Planting and Caring for Your Dahlias

Dahlias can be grown from seed, which will eventually produce tubers. In frost-free areas, these tubers can be left in the ground to regrow next season, or they can be dug up and stored for replanting the following year.

If you already have dahlia tubers in your borders or containers, you might notice new shoots appearing. These can be used for propagation. Select strong, healthy shoots about 8cm long and cut them from the main tuber using a clean, sharp knife. Place each cutting around the edge of a pot filled with damp compost mixed with perlite. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag and keep it in a warm, light spot. Roots will develop within a few weeks.

Late spring is the perfect time to plant dahlias in a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Regular watering throughout the summer and consistent deadheading will ensure a continuous supply of these striking blooms.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a garden bursting with the vibrant colors and dramatic beauty that only dahlias can offer!

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