Talkback: My five favourite dahlias

Posts

• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  September 2010

  As you can tell from my blog name I'm a big fan of Dahlia's. My love affair started many years ago with the Bishop of Llandaff, dark leaves and bright red flowers he was so handsome I could not resist taking him home from the garden centre, but then I discovered there were many more Dahlia's to choose from and I could not stay faithful for long. I now have over 20 different varieties in assorted colours, with single, semi double and cactus flowers, some grown from seed, my latest love being Twyning's After Eight another dark leaved beauty with white flowers.
  
  I'm sorry James, but I just don't like the big blousy Dahlia's that need staking, I have tried to, but I think these should only be grown on allotments by grumpy old men in cloth caps(Ha Ha).
  
  You have to be a dedicated gardener to grow Dahlia's and be prepared to dig them up every winter after the first frost, I used to pot mine up and place them on their sides in the greenhouse ready to start back into life in early spring, however, despite my greenhouse being bubble wrapped, last winter was so bad most of my Dahlia's died including my beloved Bishop. So this year, to make sure, I will dry them off and store them in a box in the cupboard under my stairs until next spring, but I'll still be sowing more Dahlia seeds, you can never have too much of a good thing.

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  September 2010

  I have a Chrysanthemum in my garden with one side orange and the other side red. The colours split the flower bloom completely down the middle. Is this rare? I have a photo of it.

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  September 2010

  Sue J: It is very uncommon to have such a chrysanthemum: according to this article it only happens about five times a year.(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6069603/Rare-multicoloured-chrysanthemum-stuns-horticulturalists.html)
  
  Gardenbabe: Hibiscus like sunshine.If you have Hibiscus syriacus then they are perfectly hardy in most parts of the country.
  
  DahliaLover: Good for you. The big headed Dahlias work well in mixed planting where the surrounding plants and a bit of subtle staking keep them in place.
  
  iloveflowerbeetles: Thank you for commenting, enjoy your plants.

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  January 2011

  I'm coming to this thread a bit late given the weather we've just experienced.
  
  James: the garden shed is a really bad place to keep tubers over winter, unless it is heated, as sheds and garages are not frost free and especially so with the intense cold of the last few weeks.
  
  Over-wintering dahlia tubers is the most difficult aspect of growing these fabulous flowers. Too cold and they rot, too hot and they shrivel and dry out; 4 - 8 C is ideal. They should also be inspected regularly and any damaged parts removed. Dusting with flowers of sulphur is a good plan.
  
  If you like Chat Noir you should try Black Wizard for its very dark, velvety centre. It is a semi-cactus so not so spikey petalled but a truly fabulous dahlia and very striking if planted with an orange such as Gwynneth.

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  April 2011

  I have a white powdery fungus on the emerging leaves of my dahlia tuba?

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  May 2011

  Who's not? Yep, you're right. Dahlias are trouble-free to have. They are the flowers whom I have a soft spot to. And my most favorite amongst the many varieties of dahlias is the large Dinnerplate. Speaking of varieties, you can check out a decent selection of dahlias here http://www.lynchcreekdahlias.com/.

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  November 2011

  I have bought 2 Hibiscus plants ,will they grow in a shady border? can i overwinter them in pots in the greenhouse or best to plant now Help please,how do you get onto the viewers blog?

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