Dahlias, with their diverse forms and vibrant colors, bring unique charm to any garden space, offering continuous blooms from summer until the first frost. Among many varieties, ‘Clearview Edie’ is an appealing choice for gardeners seeking beauty and a rewarding growing experience, providing a striking visual presence.
Clearview Edie Dahlia Characteristics
‘Clearview Edie’ is a semi-cactus dahlia with unique petal formation. Its large blooms, 17 to 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) across, feature white petals often blushed with pink or lavender. This variety grows 100 to 150 centimeters (3.3 to 4.9 feet) tall and 50 centimeters wide. Its impressive size and coloring make it popular for cut flower arrangements and garden displays.
Planting and Growing Clearview Edie Dahlia
Cultivating ‘Clearview Edie’ dahlia begins with proper site selection. These plants thrive in full sun (at least six to eight hours daily) and benefit from wind protection to prevent stem damage. Ideal soil is well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Amending heavy clay soils with compost, aged manure, or peat moss improves drainage and aeration.
Plant tubers after the last spring frost, when soil temperature reaches 15°C (60°F). Plant 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) deep and 45 centimeters (18 inches) apart. Avoid immediate heavy watering unless the soil is very dry, as excess moisture can lead to tuber rot. Once shoots emerge, deep water three to four times weekly, especially during dry periods. Container-grown dahlias may require daily watering in hot conditions.
Fertilization is important for ‘Clearview Edie’ dahlias, as they are heavy feeders. A low-nitrogen fertilizer, often called a bloom food (e.g., 5-10-10 or 4-10-10), promotes flower development rather than excessive foliage growth. Apply monthly, starting about 30 days after planting. Incorporating processed cow or steer manure can also enrich the soil and provide sustained nutrients.
Due to their height, ‘Clearview Edie’ dahlias require staking to support stems and prevent bending or breaking, especially in windy conditions or under the weight of large blooms. Insert stakes near the tuber at planting time to avoid root damage. Secure plants to stakes with soft ties as they grow. Regular deadheading encourages continuous flowering by redirecting energy from seed production. Cut spent flower stems back to the first healthy leaves or a new bud.
Common Pests and Diseases
‘Clearview Edie’ dahlias may encounter common garden pests. Slugs and snails are problematic for young plants, consuming foliage. Earwigs damage leaves and buds. Other insect pests include aphids, thrips, and spider mites, which cause discoloration and distortion by sucking plant juices. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, leading to yellowing and wilting foliage.
Dahlias are susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew (white coating on leaves), botrytis blight (gray mold on flowers/buds), and mosaic virus (disfigurement, yellowing patterns, often spread by aphids). Manage pests with garden tidiness, organic slug repellents, and insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils for aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Good air circulation helps reduce fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Overwintering Clearview Edie Dahlia
In climates with freezing winter temperatures, ‘Clearview Edie’ dahlia tubers are lifted and stored to protect them from frost, as they are tender perennials. Dig tubers after the first hard frost blackens foliage. Cut back plant stems, leaving a short section attached to the tuber clump, before digging.
After lifting, rinse tubers gently, avoiding skin punctures. Cure them by drying for several days to weeks in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Curing toughens the skin and prevents rot.
Store cured tubers in a cool, dark, dry location (4-7°C / 40-45°F). Use cardboard boxes, paper bags, or plastic bins filled with peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust to maintain moisture and prevent direct contact. Periodically check for shriveling or rot, adjusting humidity as needed.
Sourcing Clearview Edie Dahlia
‘Clearview Edie’ dahlia tubers are available from specialty dahlia growers and online nurseries, which often offer a wide selection of dahlia varieties. Local garden centers may also carry them during spring. Due to its popularity, availability can sometimes be limited, especially from smaller growers.