Pink & red bee & butterfly dahlia collection
dahlia collection
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: Half hardy (may need winter protection)
Introducing these miniature marvels with high pollinator satisfaction scores! Dahlia 'Impression Fantastico' mesmerises with its deep raspberry red petals complemented by hints of purple and white, creating a captivating depth. Ideal for naturalised planting schemes, their compact habit also makes them perfect for the patio, and their cut flowers will brighten up any vase. 'Impression Fabula' enchants with its pretty and delicate-looking flowers in deep plum and white, adorned with a golden eye to attract bees and pollinators. Lastly, 'Impression Famoso' delights with its open-eyed flowerheads, welcoming bees into the garden, boasting a lovely mix of soft pink and cream set against fresh green foliage.
In each collection you will receive one tuber of each of the following cultivars:
- Dahlia 'Impression Fantastico': The deep raspberry red petals of this elegant little dahlia also have hints of purple and white - and this gives them real depth. The simple silhouette of the flowerheads makes them ideal for more naturalised planting schemes, while their compact habit makes them ideal for the patio. The flowers will also last well if cut for the vase. Grows to 50cm.
- Dahlia 'Impression Fabula': Very pretty, almost dainty-looking flowers appear on slender stems above the lowish mounds of green foliage. Each bloom grows to around 5cm across, and is a beautiful mix of deep plum and white, but with a golden eye that will help attract bees and other pollinators into the garden. Growing to just 50cm or so in height, it's ideal for pots - or front of border positions.
- Dahlia 'Impression Famoso': Smothered in open-eyed (ie. bee-friendly) flowerheads for several months from midsummer, this relatively low-growing dahlia was originally bred for pots and bedding displays. It has wonderfully simple flowers, that are a lovely mix of soft pink and cream, and these are set off against a backdrop of fresh green foliage. Grows to 50cm.
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.
- Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten