Dahlia ‘Bitsy’ is a charming garden plant, celebrated for its cheerful presence and manageable size. Its compact growth makes it a versatile choice for adding consistent color to various outdoor spaces.
Unique Characteristics of Dahlia Bitsy
Dahlia ‘Bitsy’ is a dwarf or bedding dahlia, reaching 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) tall with a spread of up to 2 feet (60 cm). Its Waterlily-type flowers are fully double, with broad, somewhat sparse ray florets, creating a shallow, elegant appearance. Blooms commonly display shades of lavender-lilac or purple-pink. ‘Bitsy’ is a prolific bloomer, producing flowers from early summer through the first frost, extending its season. These flowers also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a lively garden.
Planting and Growing Care
Successful cultivation of Dahlia ‘Bitsy’ begins with careful site selection and soil preparation. These dahlias thrive in locations receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally including morning sun, and a sheltered spot helps protect blooms from strong winds. Well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) is essential. For heavy clay soil, amend with aged manure, compost, or peat moss to improve drainage and aeration. Loosen soil to 12 inches deep for tuber expansion.
Plant after all danger of frost has passed in spring, when soil temperatures reach 60°F (15°C). Position tubers 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, ensuring the ‘eye’ faces upwards. Space ‘Bitsy’ tubers 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Do not water immediately after planting to prevent rot before roots form; wait until green sprouts emerge. Once established, provide consistent moisture, aiming for 1 to 2 inches of water per week through deep soaking, adjusting frequency during hot or dry periods.
Dahlias are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Begin fertilizing 30 days after planting, or when plants have developed 3 to 4 inches of new shoots. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium, like a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 blend. Apply every three to four weeks throughout the growing season to support robust blooming. Due to its compact size, Dahlia ‘Bitsy’ generally does not require extensive staking, though a small support may be beneficial in very windy conditions or when grown in containers.
Ongoing Maintenance
Maintaining Dahlia ‘Bitsy’ involves practices throughout the growing season to encourage continuous blooming and plant health. Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) promotes new blooms by redirecting the plant’s energy from seed production. Pinching, by removing the top bud when the plant is about 1 foot tall or has three to four sets of leaves, encourages bushier growth and more flowers.
Pest and Disease Management
Dahlias are susceptible to common garden pests like aphids, slugs, snails, spider mites, and earwigs. Manage aphids and spider mites with neem oil or insecticidal soap. For slugs and snails, try copper barriers, diatomaceous earth, or beer traps. Keeping the area around plants tidy helps deter earwigs.
Powdery mildew and botrytis (gray mold) are common fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected foliage to prevent and manage these issues. Organic fungicides or a diluted milk solution also treat powdery mildew.
Winter Care
In colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7), Dahlia ‘Bitsy’ tubers are not winter hardy and must be dug up before the first hard frost. After foliage is killed by frost, cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches above ground. Carefully lift tubers, brush off excess soil, and air dry for a few days without washing. Store tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location between 40-50°F (7-10°C). Packing them in moistened sand, peat moss, vermiculite, or potting mix maintains humidity during storage. Periodically check tubers throughout winter, removing any showing signs of rot or shriveling.
Garden Applications and Design
Dahlia ‘Bitsy’ is a versatile plant for various garden applications, due to its compact nature and profuse blooming. Its smaller stature makes it an excellent choice for containers, providing continuous color on patios or balconies. For container growing, a pot around 12 inches in diameter and depth is suitable.
Its short habit also makes ‘Bitsy’ ideal for planting at the front of garden borders or as an edging plant, creating a neat display. Planting ‘Bitsy’ in groups of five creates a striking visual impact. While small, its charming blooms have a good vase life, making them suitable for miniature cut flower arrangements. For aesthetic appeal and pest deterrence, ‘Bitsy’ pairs well with companion plants like zinnias, cosmos, snapdragons, and herbs like basil or chives. Ornamental grasses also provide an appealing backdrop, enhancing the dahlia display.