The ‘Barbarry Dominion’ dahlia is a popular choice for gardeners, known for its vibrant and intricate blooms. This dahlia variety consistently produces striking flowers, making it a beautiful addition to any garden.
Distinctive Features of Barbarry Dominion Dahlia
The ‘Barbarry Dominion’ dahlia is a Formal Decorative dahlia, characterized by fully double flowers with uniformly arranged petals that appear flat or slightly cupped. Blooms typically measure 4 to 6 inches in diameter, making them a medium-sized cut flower.
The color of ‘Barbarry Dominion’ is a blend of pink to peach, often described as a glowing peach or peachy-pink. This shade provides a pearlescent quality. The flowers grow on strong, upright stems, suitable for cutting and floral arrangements. The plant reaches a height of 3.5 to 5 feet, adding presence to garden beds and borders.
Planting Your Barbarry Dominion Dahlia
Planting ‘Barbarry Dominion’ dahlias successfully requires selecting an appropriate site. Dahlias need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally morning sun. Protection from intense afternoon sun can prevent scorching in hotter climates. Positioning them to avoid strong winds is also beneficial, as tall stems can break.
Soil composition is important for healthy dahlia plants. ‘Barbarry Dominion’ dahlias prefer fertile, loose, and well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like aged manure, compost, peat moss, or sand to improve drainage and aeration. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches for tuber expansion.
Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F (15°C). Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber horizontally with the growing eye facing upwards. Cover with 2 to 3 inches of soil, gradually filling in as the plant grows.
Space tubers 12 to 24 inches apart for adequate air circulation, which helps reduce disease risk. Do not water tubers immediately after planting; wait until green shoots emerge to prevent rot.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important for ‘Barbarry Dominion’ dahlias once active growth begins. While newly planted tubers should not be watered until shoots appear, established plants need regular, deep watering, typically 2 to 3 times per week, especially during hot and dry periods. Provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Watering at the base of the plant rather than overhead helps prevent fungal issues.
Fertilization supports growth and blooming. Dahlias are heavy feeders and benefit from a balanced organic fertilizer. In early growth stages, higher nitrogen encourages foliage development. As flower buds form, switch to a low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus and potassium formula for bloom production. Fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season, reducing or stopping once flower buds show color.
Staking provides support for the tall stems and heavy blooms of ‘Barbarry Dominion’ dahlias, preventing bending or breaking. Insert stakes at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later, and tie plants to them every 12 to 18 inches as they grow. Deadheading, removing spent flowers, encourages more blooms throughout the season by preventing seed production. Pruning leggy stems and pinching back growing tips also promote bushier growth and increased flowering.
For gardeners in colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7), overwintering ‘Barbarry Dominion’ dahlia tubers is necessary as they are sensitive to freezing temperatures. After the first autumn frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back to a few inches above ground level. Carefully lift tubers, remove most soil, and cure them in a cool, dry, dark place with good air circulation for one to two weeks.
Once cured, store tubers in a cool (40-50°F or 4-10°C), dark, and dry, yet slightly humid, location within materials like peat moss, vermiculite, or newspaper in cardboard boxes or paper bags. Periodically check tubers during storage for any signs of rot or shriveling.
Common Challenges and Solutions
‘Barbarry Dominion’ dahlias can encounter certain pests and diseases. Slugs and snails are problematic for young dahlia shoots, causing irregular holes in leaves. Apply organic slug repellents, use barriers like copper tape, or hand-pick these pests to protect plants. Earwigs can also damage tender leaves and flower buds; maintaining a tidy garden area by removing debris can deter them.
Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing stippled, yellowing leaves and fine webbing, typically on the undersides of foliage. Regular misting, consistent watering, and applying neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage these pests. Thrips are tiny insects that can discolor and distort leaves and blossoms, and they may transmit plant viruses. Consistent watering can discourage them, and insecticidal soaps can temporarily reduce outbreaks.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew appear as a white or grayish powdery growth on leaves and stems. Good air circulation, achieved by proper plant spacing and pruning lower leaves, helps prevent its spread. If present, remove affected leaves, and use fungicides or homemade solutions like baking soda sprays. Botrytis blight, or gray mold, manifests as brown, rotting spots on flowers and leaves, particularly in humid conditions. Removing affected parts, ensuring good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering can minimize its impact.
Viral diseases, such as Dahlia Mosaic Virus, cause symptoms like stunted growth, mottled or distorted leaves, and discoloration. These viruses are often spread by insects like thrips or through contaminated tools. There is no cure for viral infections in dahlias, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread. Disinfecting gardening tools between plants helps prevent transmission.