I’m currently in my garden mulching my dahlias thanks to all your advice. Alongside the dahlias are Echinaceas, I have cut them back to ground level, do they need to be mulched as well! Thanks.
Dahlias are completely different to most perennials because they have rhizomes rather than root systems in the usual way. In the same way that other rhizomes or bulbs can rot in wet cold conditions, dahlias need protection which is why they often need lifted and stored rather than left in situ
Dead or dying stems can be removed on many perennials as they're no longer of benefit to the plant, but any that are a bit borderline in terms of hardiness can have the growth left on over winter for a bit of extra protection. Cutting back half way can sometimes look better on that sort of plant too.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thank you for your advice Fairygirl, I’m so glad I found this website, you all have a wealth of knowledge which I am lacking! But I’m learning as I go along, as they say you are never to old to learn!
I wouldn't have had a clue at one time either @Daisypic - there's people here who've forgotten more than I know The most important factor in having success with any plant is learning about your own conditions and climate. It varies enormously all over the UK.
The forum is a great resource, so hopefully you'll get plenty of help whenever you need it
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
In the same way that other rhizomes or bulbs can rot in wet cold conditions, dahlias need protection which is why they often need lifted and stored rather than left in situ
Dead or dying stems can be removed on many perennials as they're no longer of benefit to the plant, but any that are a bit borderline in terms of hardiness can have the growth left on over winter for a bit of extra protection. Cutting back half way can sometimes look better on that sort of plant too.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The most important factor in having success with any plant is learning about your own conditions and climate. It varies enormously all over the UK.
The forum is a great resource, so hopefully you'll get plenty of help whenever you need it
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...