Dahlia ‘Fascination’ is a captivating addition to any garden, celebrated for its unique beauty. Its vibrant blooms and distinctive foliage bring striking visual interest. Understanding its specific needs ensures a successful and flourishing display throughout the growing season.
Distinctive Characteristics of Dahlia ‘Fascination’
Dahlia ‘Fascination’ stands out with its unique flower structure, anemone-flowered or semi-double. Its blooms feature a prominent, dense central cushion composed of numerous small, tightly clustered florets, creating a pincushion-like appearance. Surrounding this central disc is a single or double ring of broader, flattened ray florets, creating a striking contrast in form. The flowers typically display vibrant shades of purple-pink or lilac-rose, sometimes with a warmer burgundy or dark eye at the center, and can reach about 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) in diameter.
Dahlia ‘Fascination’ boasts striking dark foliage, often described as bronze or purple-black. This deep coloration provides a backdrop that highlights the bright blooms. The plant typically grows to a height of about 2.5 to 3 feet (75-90 cm) and spreads around 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm), making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
Planting and Cultivating Dahlia ‘Fascination’
Dahlia ‘Fascination’ requires a location with full sun exposure for at least six to eight hours daily. Adequate sunlight promotes robust growth and abundant flowering. The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and fertile, as dahlias do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Amending heavy clay soils with compost or peat moss can significantly improve drainage and provide the necessary nutrients.
Plant in spring, after the last frost and when soil temperature warms to approximately 60°F (15°C). Tubers should be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, ensuring the “eye” or sprout faces upward. Spacing tubers approximately 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart allows for adequate air circulation and growth. After planting, water sparingly to settle the soil, then avoid further watering until new growth emerges, as overwatering at this stage can lead to rot.
Ongoing Care for Optimal Blooms
Consistent moisture is important for Dahlia ‘Fascination’ once established, especially during dry periods. Deep watering a couple of times a week is generally sufficient, but avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings helps prevent overwatering, which can be detrimental to the tubers.
Fertilization encourages vibrant and continuous flowering. Dahlias respond well to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 formulation. Applying fertilizer monthly from mid-summer until early fall helps sustain bloom production without promoting excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Regular deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, redirects the plant’s energy from seed production into creating new flowers, extending the blooming season.
Taller Dahlia ‘Fascination’ plants, reaching up to 3 feet, benefit from staking to prevent hollow stems from breaking under the weight of blooms or strong winds. Placing stakes near the tuber at planting time helps avoid root damage later. As the plant grows, gently tying the main stems to the support with soft twine or plant ties provides stability. Routine monitoring for common pests or diseases allows for early detection and management, maintaining plant health throughout the season.
Winter Storage of Dahlia ‘Fascination’ Tubers
In climates where winter temperatures drop below freezing (USDA Zones 7 and colder), Dahlia ‘Fascination’ tubers must be lifted and stored indoors. This occurs after the first hard frost “blackens” the foliage, allowing tubers to mature and harden. After the frost, cut the stems back to a few inches above ground level. Carefully dig up the tuber clumps, starting about a foot away from the stem to avoid damage.
After lifting, gently remove excess soil from the tubers and allow them to dry for several days in a cool, well-ventilated area to cure and prevent rot during storage. Store the cleaned, dried tubers in a cool, dark, and dry location, ideally between 40-45°F (4-7°C). Suitable storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust, which help maintain consistent humidity and prevent desiccation. Regularly check tubers during winter for any signs of rot or excessive drying, making adjustments as needed to ensure they remain viable for replanting the following spring.