The ‘Arthur Hambley’ dahlia is a captivating cultivar, celebrated for its striking blooms and significant garden presence. Gardeners often seek this variety for its vibrant display and ability to enhance floral arrangements.
Distinctive Characteristics of Arthur Hambley Dahlia
The ‘Arthur Hambley’ dahlia produces dinnerplate-sized blooms, measuring up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) across. These double flowers feature ruffled petals. The color palette is a rich, deep pink, often with dusky tones towards the center and lighter hues at the petal edges. This dahlia reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet (70 cm to 1 meter), with a spread of 1 to 1.6 feet (30-50 cm). It blooms from mid-summer until the first frost.
Cultivation and Planting
For best blooming, ‘Arthur Hambley’ dahlias require full sun, at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, morning sun is preferable to protect blooms from intense afternoon heat. Well-draining soil is essential, as tubers are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions.
Preparing the soil with rich organic matter, such as compost, provides essential nutrients and improves drainage. Plant ‘Arthur Hambley’ dahlia tubers in spring, around the same time you would plant tomatoes, when the soil temperature is at least 50°F (10°C). Dig a hole deep enough so the tuber is about three inches below the surface, ensuring the “eye” or sprout side faces upward. Space tubers approximately 12-18 inches apart.
Ongoing Care for Optimal Blooms
Consistent watering is essential for ‘Arthur Hambley’ dahlias, especially during dry periods, as they are thirsty plants. Deep watering once or twice a week is sufficient to keep the soil consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. Applying a 2-inch layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture. Fertilization should be balanced, as too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms.
A general garden fertilizer with a lower nitrogen-to-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) ratio, such as 5-10-5 or 5-10-10, is suitable for encouraging flower production. Apply fertilizer according to package directions, after shoots emerge and then periodically through the blooming season, avoiding late-season application. Due to their height and large blooms, ‘Arthur Hambley’ dahlias benefit from staking to prevent stems from bending or breaking. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Winter Storage and Dormancy
As tender perennials, ‘Arthur Hambley’ dahlias require winter storage in many climates where the ground freezes. Tubers should be dug up after the first frost, which signals the plant to enter dormancy. Carefully lift the tubers, brush off excess soil, and allow them to dry for 12-24 hours in a shaded, well-ventilated area, ensuring they don’t dry out completely. Some growers opt to wash tubers before drying.
Once cured, store the tubers in a cool, dark, and humid environment. The ideal storage temperature ranges from 38-50°F (4-10°C), with humidity levels between 75-85%. Common storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, which help regulate humidity and prevent shriveling or rot. Check tubers periodically throughout winter, removing any that show signs of rot or mold, and re-moisten the storage medium if they appear too dry. Replant tubers in spring once the threat of frost has passed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Gardeners may encounter several issues when growing ‘Arthur Hambley’ dahlias. Pests such as slugs and snails are problematic for young foliage, and earwigs can damage leaves and flower buds. Aphids and spider mites are sap-sucking insects that can cause distorted or yellowed leaves and reduced plant vigor. Regularly inspecting plants and using insecticidal soaps or natural predators can help manage these pests.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew appear as a white coating on leaves and stems, often due to high humidity or poor air circulation. Botrytis (gray mold) can cause rotting spots on flowers and leaves. Ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing affected plant parts are preventative measures. Lack of blooms can stem from insufficient sunlight, overwatering, or excessive nitrogen fertilization, all of which prioritize foliage growth over flower production.