Dahlia ‘Avignon’ is a highly sought-after dahlia cultivar, prized for its exceptional visual appeal and dramatic presence in garden settings. Its unique aesthetic, characterized by a striking blend of colors and an impressive flower form, makes it a popular choice for gardeners. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of cultivating this beautiful plant, from initial planting to seasonal care, ensuring its vibrant display throughout the growing season.
Understanding Dahlia Avignon
Dahlia ‘Avignon’ is classified as a decorative dahlia, and often specifically as a “dinnerplate” variety, known for its impressively large blooms. The flowers feature creamy white petals artfully streaked with deep purple, red, or burgundy-red, creating a distinct variegated pattern where no two flowers are exactly alike. Its petals are long, pointed, and elegantly rolled at the edges, contributing to a unique spiky effect and a full, ruffled appearance; these magnificent blooms typically measure between 7 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) in diameter, making a significant statement in any garden. The plant itself grows to a height of about 36 to 48 inches (90 to 120 cm) and spreads approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), with a bushy, upright growth habit. Its sturdy stems and vigorous growth make it a robust addition to garden beds and large containers, providing a continuous floral display from mid-summer until the first frost.
Planting Dahlia Avignon
Successful cultivation of Dahlia ‘Avignon’ begins with proper site selection and soil preparation; these dahlias thrive in locations that receive full sun, ideally at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, which is crucial for optimal flowering. The soil should be well-drained, loamy, and rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Planting of Dahlia ‘Avignon’ tubers should occur in spring, after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has sufficiently warmed. Tubers are typically planted about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep, ensuring the “eye” or growth point faces upward. Spacing the tubers approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart allows for adequate air circulation and root development, supporting the plant’s mature size and vigorous growth.
Ongoing Care for Dahlia Avignon
Once planted and established, Dahlia ‘Avignon’ requires consistent attention to flourish throughout the growing season. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods, to maintain consistently moist soil without becoming waterlogged. Applying a high potash fertilizer every few weeks during the summer months helps to support continuous blooming and overall plant vigor. Due to their impressive height and large blooms, Dahlia ‘Avignon’ plants often benefit from staking to provide necessary support and prevent stems from bending or breaking. Deadheading spent blooms by removing them promptly encourages the plant to produce more flowers, extending the period of vibrant color in the garden. This practice redirects the plant’s energy towards new bloom production rather than seed development.
Protecting Dahlia Avignon Over Winter
For gardeners in regions with freezing winter temperatures (typically USDA Zones 3-7), overwintering Dahlia ‘Avignon’ tubers is important for their survival. After the first hard frost causes the foliage to blacken, the tubers should be carefully dug from the ground. It is important to avoid damaging the tubers during this process. Once lifted, excess soil should be gently removed from the tubers, and they should be allowed to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for several days. After drying, store the tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free location, ideally between 40-50°F (4-10°C), nestled in a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings to maintain appropriate humidity. This careful storage ensures the tubers remain viable for replanting the following spring.