The ‘Emory Paul’ dahlia is a magnificent cultivar. Its impressive size and striking beauty make it a focal point in any garden.
Key Characteristics of Emory Paul
The ‘Emory Paul’ dahlia is classified as a Dinnerplate dahlia, known for its exceptionally large bloom size. Its flowers measure between 10 to 14 inches in diameter. The vibrant blooms display a range of pink hues, from bubblegum to fuchsia, sometimes with subtle white or light magenta streaking. These fully double flowers feature layers of soft, rounded petals.
The plant exhibits an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching 36 to 48 inches tall, though some can grow up to 70 inches. Its deep green foliage enhances the vibrant color of the massive blooms. Its impressive size, striking color, and robust stature make ‘Emory Paul’ a favored choice for show gardens or dramatic displays. It blooms from mid-summer until the first frost.
Planting Your Emory Paul Dahlia
Plant tubers in spring, after the risk of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. An ideal planting site offers full sun (at least six to eight hours daily) and good air circulation to deter fungal issues.
Soil preparation is crucial; ‘Emory Paul’ thrives in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Compacted soil can lead to waterlogging and root rot, so incorporate compost or other organic materials to improve drainage and nutrient content. Plant tubers 4 to 6 inches deep, with the “eye” or growth point facing upward. Space tubers 12 to 24 inches apart for mature plant size and adequate air flow. After planting, water sparingly until green sprouts emerge.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important for ‘Emory Paul’ dahlias. Once sprouts appear, water deeply two to three times per week, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Container-grown dahlias may require daily watering. Avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal diseases.
For optimal bloom production, fertilize regularly throughout the growing season. Use a fertilizer with lower nitrogen (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20), as too much nitrogen promotes foliage growth over flowers. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks for container plants and every 3-4 weeks for in-ground plants.
Staking is necessary for ‘Emory Paul’ dahlias due to their height and the weight of their large blooms. Install sturdy stakes or a caging system at planting time to support the plant as it grows, preventing stems from bending or breaking. Pinching back the main shoot when the plant is about 12 inches tall encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to redirect the plant’s energy into producing new flowers and prolong blooming.
Routine inspection is part of preventative pest and disease management. Examine foliage and stems regularly for early signs of pests (aphids, slugs, snails) or disease. Maintaining good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning also helps reduce fungal issues.
Overwintering Emory Paul Tubers
In colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7), ‘Emory Paul’ dahlia tubers are not hardy and require lifting and storage to survive winter. Begin this process after the first hard frost causes foliage to turn brown and die back.
Carefully dig up tubers, avoiding damage. After lifting, remove as much soil as possible and allow tubers to dry for several days in a cool, dry, frost-free location. This drying period helps prevent rot during storage.
Once dry, store cleaned tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free environment, ideally between 40-50°F (4-10°C). A common storage medium is slightly moist peat moss, vermiculite, or sand, which helps maintain stable humidity. Periodically inspect tubers throughout winter for signs of shriveling or rot, removing affected ones to prevent spread.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Gardeners may encounter challenges when cultivating ‘Emory Paul’ dahlias, often related to their large size or general dahlia susceptibilities. If blooms appear floppy or stems seem weak, it often indicates insufficient staking or nutrient imbalance. Reinforce supports and ensure a balanced fertilization program.
Lack of blooms can stem from inadequate light, insufficient water, or improper fertilization. Dahlias require full sun to flower profusely; consistent moisture and appropriate nutrients are necessary for flower development. If flower buds form but shrivel or fail to open, this is often a sign of insufficient moisture.
Pest issues include slugs, snails, earwigs, aphids, and spider mites. Slugs and snails can be managed with organic slug pellets or by encouraging natural predators. For earwigs, a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the stem can deter them from climbing to flowers. Aphids and spider mites may be addressed with insecticidal soap or neem oil applications.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew or notch disease can occur, signaled by discolored leaves or distorted growth. Ensuring good air circulation and removing affected plant parts can help, and in severe cases, fungicides may be appropriate.