Latin name: Dahlia
Description: Although often considered as old hat, many never-the-lesses make great exotic garden plants because of their exuberance in flower, colour, and shape – but also for the dark almost black leaved forms that are now readily available. These garden delights were much vaunted by the late Christopher Lloyd, especially ‘Ellen Houston’ with green foliage and large intense orange flowers that keep going right into the autumn.
Hardiness: They will take several degrees of frost if well mulched, otherwise dig up the tubers and store in a frost free place during the winter months, ready to plant out again in the spring.
Height: From 50cm
Position: Full sun preferred for best growth
Soil: Any well-drained garden soil with lots of added organic matter
Water: Water well to establish. They can take dry conditions well once established especially if well mulched
Usage: They work equally well in borders and containers, though are best staked to stop them falling over in high winds
Thu, Apr 10, 2008
Exotic