Tree dahlia/ Dahlia imperialis;
fast growing perennial from South America.
It grows three to five metres high with tall, sturdy canes topped with large lavender flowers in autumn and winter.
Prune the plant in winter after flowering.
* Remove all the dead wood.
* Cut down the canes that flowered last autumn; these are the ones to use for propagation.
* You can see a big bulbous bit at the bottom. That is the bulb of the dahlia that will shoot in spring and be three to five metres high again by autumn.
* Cut canes into 50 centimetre lengths. Ensure you have at least two nodes per cane, because they’ll actually root and shoot from those nodes.
* Lay a cane horizontally along a trench. They shoot from the nodes and in no time at all, you’ll get a lovely clump.
* When new growth gets to a metre high, nip the tips out. The canes won’t get as tall but will be sturdier and more resistant to wind damage.
Plant type: herbaceous tuber
Hardiness zones: 9-10
Sunlight: hot overhead sun
Soil Moisture: constantly moist
Soil: enriched soil, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline
Windblown blossoms, tiny droplets hanging on the petals like tears.
Believe it or not:
I had a lovely holiday; now I am back with new vigor!
Thank you to all who have send me a message. Very much appreciated.
