The ‘Carolina Wagemans’ dahlia is a highly sought-after cultivar, celebrated for its exquisite blooms and captivating presence. This guide provides information on how to cultivate and maintain this remarkable plant.
Unique Features
The ‘Carolina Wagemans’ dahlia is a waterlily type, known for its distinctive cupped shape where petals curve inward. Blooms typically range from 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Flowers display a coral pink hue, which can also present as pale apricot, maturing into deeper pink and lavender tones. These subtle color shifts add to the bloom’s allure as they unfurl and close daily. The plant reaches 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) tall, forming a bushy clump. It blooms from summer until the first hard frost.
Planting Guide
These plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and bloom production. Placing them in a location sheltered from strong winds is beneficial, as their large blooms and tall stems can be vulnerable to damage.
Dahlias prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amending the planting area with compost and an all-purpose granular fertilizer will improve soil structure and nutrient availability. The soil pH should ideally be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.1 to 7.5. Tubers should be planted after the last spring frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C).
When planting, dig a hole approximately 4 to 6 inches deep, ensuring it is wide enough for the tuber. Position the tuber horizontally with the “eye” or sprout facing upwards. Cover the tuber with a few inches of soil, firmly pressing it down. Space individual tubers about 12 to 18 inches apart for air circulation and growth. After planting, water thoroughly, but avoid overwatering until shoots emerge, as too much moisture can lead to tuber rot.
Seasonal Care
Consistent watering is important for ‘Carolina Wagemans’ dahlias throughout their growing season, particularly during dry periods. Once established and green shoots are visible, water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry, which helps prevent disease.
Applying a supplemental organic water-soluble fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks until September is beneficial. Taller dahlia varieties, including ‘Carolina Wagemans’, benefit from staking to prevent stems from flopping due to their large blooms. Installing sturdy stakes at planting time allows the plant to grow with support, and twine can be used to tie stems to the stake as they gain height.
Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than focusing energy on seed production. Use clean, sharp scissors to trim spent blooms just above a leaf joint. Pinching the main stem when the plant is about 12 inches tall can encourage bushier growth and a greater number of blooms. This technique involves snipping the top of the main stem above a set of leaves.
Common dahlia pests include aphids, slugs, snails, thrips, and spider mites. Inspect plants regularly for infestation. Organic solutions like insecticidal soaps and neem oil control soft-bodied insects. Barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth can deter slugs and snails. Good air circulation, achieved through proper spacing, helps prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew and botrytis blight. Remove any affected plant material promptly to minimize disease spread.
Winter Dormancy
In regions where the ground freezes, ‘Carolina Wagemans’ dahlia tubers need to be lifted and stored for winter dormancy to ensure their survival. The ideal time to dig up tubers is after the first hard frost has blackened the foliage, signaling the plant has entered dormancy and stored energy in its tubers.
To dig, cut the foliage back to about 2 to 6 inches above the ground. Carefully loosen the soil around the plant with a garden fork, starting about 8 to 10 inches away from the stem to avoid damaging the delicate tubers. Gently lift the entire clump, shaking off excess soil. Rinse tubers with water to remove remaining dirt.
After washing, tubers need to cure for a few days in a cool, well-ventilated area, typically between 60°F and 70°F, out of direct sunlight. Curing allows any cuts or wounds to heal, preventing rot during storage. Once cured, tubers can be divided if desired, ensuring each division has at least one “eye” or growth bud and a piece of the crown. For storage, the cleaned and cured tubers should be placed in a cool, dark, and frost-free location where temperatures remain consistently between 40°F and 50°F (4-10°C), with humidity around 80-90%. Store tubers in a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, ensuring they are not touching each other to prevent moisture transfer and potential rot. Cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or paper bags with adequate ventilation work well as containers. Periodically check the stored tubers throughout winter, removing any that show signs of rot or shriveling, and adjust humidity if necessary.