Dahlia ‘Ellen Houston’ is a vibrant and popular choice, known for its eye-catching appearance. This variety brings a striking burst of color to any garden space. It is a desirable plant for those looking to add continuous blooms throughout the growing season.
Meet Dahlia Ellen Houston
Dahlia ‘Ellen Houston’ is a dwarf bedding dahlia with vibrant scarlet, orange, or deep red flowers, often with orange-red hues, reaching up to 3.5 inches wide. Its dark bronze-tinged or blackish-bronze foliage contrasts beautifully with the blooms. This variety maintains an upright form, reaching 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and spreading 1 to 2 feet, making it a compact plant. Classified as a Decorative Dahlia, its flowers feature broad, flat-tipped petals that are sometimes wavy, contributing to its full, double appearance.
Planting Dahlia Ellen Houston
Plant Dahlia ‘Ellen Houston’ tubers in spring, after the last frost and when the soil has warmed. A common planting time is when tomatoes are planted in your region. These dahlias thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though they can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter climates.
The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Place tubers 4 to 5 inches deep with the “eye” (sprouting point) facing upwards. Space individual tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for proper development and air circulation.
Caring for Dahlia Ellen Houston
Maintain consistent moisture for Dahlia ‘Ellen Houston’ throughout the growing season, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out. Water deeply once a week, increasing frequency during hot or dry weather. Young dahlia plants do not require excessive water, but established plants benefit from watering if rainfall is less than one inch over seven days.
To encourage growth and abundant blooms, fertilize your dahlias every two to four weeks with a balanced fertilizer. When the plant reaches about 12 inches tall and has developed four to five sets of true leaves, pinch the main stem to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous new flowers throughout summer and fall. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to further blooming. Common dahlia pests include aphids, leaf miners, spider mites, and slugs. Fungal issues like powdery mildew can occur in dry conditions, while grey molds may appear in wet weather.
Overwintering Dahlia Ellen Houston
For gardeners in colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7), overwintering Dahlia ‘Ellen Houston’ tubers is necessary for their return the following spring. After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, cut stems down to a few inches above the soil line. Allow tubers to remain in the ground for one to two weeks after this frost, which helps their skin toughen for storage.
Carefully dig up the tubers, rinse off excess soil, and allow them to dry and cure for several days to a few weeks. Do this in a cool, dry spot with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight. Once cured, store tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location (40-50°F / 4-10°C), such as an unheated basement or root cellar. Pack them in a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings in cardboard boxes or crates, ensuring good air circulation and preventing direct contact between tubers.
Using Dahlia Ellen Houston in Your Garden
Dahlia ‘Ellen Houston’ is a versatile plant that enhances various garden settings. Its vibrant, deep red blooms and dark foliage make it suitable for garden beds and borders. This compact variety is also well-suited for container plantings, allowing gardeners with limited space to enjoy its beauty.
The long-lasting blooms and sturdy stems of ‘Ellen Houston’ also make it a good choice for cut flowers. Cutting the flowers frequently encourages the plant to produce more blooms, making it a continuous source of fresh arrangements. When designing your garden, consider pairing ‘Ellen Houston’ with plants that offer contrasting colors, such as pure white varieties, for a striking display.