Pink ice 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)
Pastel perfection in a dahlia collection, these delicately lilac and tonal pink blooms will add an elegant romanticism to late summer borders and cut-flower displays, living long in the memory as autumn closes and the first frosts appear.
In each collection you will receive one tuber of each of the following cultivars:
- Dahlia 'Offshore Dream': As they unfurl from bud, the petals of this decorative dahlia are soft pink, but as they age the colour first intensifies and then fades to a soft blush. This gives a delightful (but subtle) variation in colour, which makes them ideal for teaming up with stronger pinks and whites - as well as other pastel shades. Grows to 90cm.
- Dahlia 'Sweet Surprise': This gorgeous decorative dahlia produces an abundance of lilac flowerheads, which fade to a soft lavender-pink (with flashes of white) as they age. A sublime addition to the border, it mixes easily with most shades of pink and purple - and can also be teamed with plum or white. Grows to 85cm.
- Dahlia'Wizard of Oz': Soft pink, pom-pom shaped flowers appear in profusion above the lush green foliage from midsummer to the onset of the frosty weather. Their colouring makes them easy to mix and they look particularly effective with other pastel shades - or for a bit of added oomph, blend in some strong pink tones. The flowers last well after being cut and look exceptionally pretty in the vase. Grows to 80cm.
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 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.
- Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten