Parma violets dahlia collection
dahlia collection
How to care for Parma violets 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 'Blue Boy':Well-formed lilac-pink flowers provide colour in the border for many months from midsummer. For an outstanding display mix Dahlia 'Blue Boy' with most shades of pink or purple, as well as silvers and blues. Grows to 90cm.
1 × Dahlia merckii: Single flowers up to 8cm (3in) wide, 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. Pollinators are drawn to its simple, easy to access nectar too! Grows to 2.5m.
1 × Dahlia 'Bishop of Leicester': ‘Bishop of Leicester’, a peony-type dahlia has very pale pink flowers, with each petal flushed with a darker pink, that emerge from within a cushion of bronze-purple foliage. With an open flower structure, this cultivar is popular with bees and other beneficial insects and the blooms also make excellent additions to a vase. Grows to 90cm.
1 × Dahlia 'White Isa': Initially the petals are inrolled, and are a soft lemon-cream with just a hint of pink, but as the 7cm (3in) wide flowers mature fully, the petals flatten out and become paler. Creating a sublime and slightly ethereal effect, the flowers of Dahlia 'White Isa' are excellent for bouquets or borders. Grows to 80cm.
1 × Dahlia 'Valente': Soft, romantic colouring gives these blooms an effortlessly elegant look, with layers of creamy-white petals gently flushed with blush pink towards the centre. Dahlia ‘Valente’ produces fully double, rounded flowers on sturdy stems, creating a refined display from midsummer into autumn. Its upright, well-branched habit suits sunny borders and cutting gardens alike, while the long stems make the flowers especially useful for bringing indoors. Grows to 1.2m.
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
