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Overview
Dahlia Waterlily or Nymphaea-Flowered group is an outstanding perennial with fully double and symmetrical blooms with a side view that appears to be flat or saucer shaped.
The ray florets are openly faced giving the bloom a delicate appearance.
The centre is closed and dome shaped breaking gradually to four to seven rows of fully developed outer ray florets which are also broad and slightly cupped.
The blooms are held aloft on thin erect stalks in summer and autumn.
They make excellent border plants and cut flowers.
Soil: Any soil will do but they do prefer a lighter soil if given a choice and a covering of mulch will help retain moisture and keep the tubers cool in hot weather..
Maintenance: Liquid feed before buds set about once every three weeks, then after setting increase to once a week.
Water well when in bloom, stake taller plants, pinch out smaller buds and dead head regularly to encourage further blooms.
Some gardens insist that Dahlias should be lifted over winter - this only applies if you have very wet winters and they are in danger of waterlogging. Otherwise cut the dead foliage back, mark their position with a stake and cover with mulch.
Diseases: Powdery mildew, two spotted mite, aphids, slugs and snails.
Use slug pellets in spring as they love the new growth and can decimate a Dahlia bed before it gets going.
Other Species: There are around 35 original species in the Dahlia genus but thousands of named cultivars have been segregated into at least ten main groups to help identification.
The Dahlia was first brought to Europe from Mexico where it was grown initially at the Madrid Botanical Gardens. From there it spread across Europe and the British and Dutch have been largely responsible for the breeding of thousands of cultivars.
The first species brought to Europe were Dahlia pinnata, Dahlia rosea and Dahlia coccinea.
Comments: Named after Dr Andrew Dahl - a Swedish botanist.
The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico.
Author: Bob Saunders.