Dahlia 'Café au Lait Royal'
decorative dahlia (dinnerplate) dahlia Cafe au Lait Royal
Dahlia ‘Café au Lait Royal’ is a show-stopping decorative dahlia, closely related to the much-loved ‘Café au Lait’, but with a richer, more dramatic presence. Its enormous blooms, reaching up to 25cm (10in) across, are formed of softly ruffled, irregularly streaked petals that open in a gentle blend of pink and mauve tones before gradually fading to a soft blush as they age.
Flowering freely from mid-summer to the first frosts on tall, sturdy stems, it makes a truly head-turning addition to the border and an exceptional cut flower for vases.
Flowering freely from mid-summer to the first frosts on tall, sturdy stems, it makes a truly head-turning addition to the border and an exceptional cut flower for vases.
How to care for Dahlia Cafe au Lait Royal:
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 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.
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
Eventual height:
1.2m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
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)
-
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
1 × tuber
£5.99
In stock
(delivery within 2-3 working days)
(delivery within 2-3 working days)
3 × tubers
£12.75
£4.25 each
In stock
(delivery within 2-3 working days)
(delivery within 2-3 working days)
1
