Dahlia ‘Happy Butterfly’ is a captivating garden addition, known for its distinctive blooms and elegant stature. It offers unique visual appeal, enhancing garden beds and providing beautiful cut flowers.
Unique Characteristics of ‘Happy Butterfly’
Dahlia ‘Happy Butterfly’ features informal, double blooms with flat or slightly incurved petals. Its unique “butterfly shape” is highlighted by the dark reverse of its petals. Each bloom displays a cheerful color palette, including soft yellow, apricot, light pink, and sometimes more intense cranberry tones, with variations showing buttery yellow, pink streaks, scarlet, and a purple center.
These medium-sized flowers measure 4 to 6 inches in diameter. The plant grows upright, reaching 36 to 48 inches tall. This height makes ‘Happy Butterfly’ an excellent choice for vertical interest and as a background plant in flower beds.
Planting Your ‘Happy Butterfly’ Dahlia
Plant ‘Dahlia Happy Butterfly’ tubers in spring, after the last frost and when soil temperature reaches 60°F (15°C). Choose a site with full sun (at least six hours daily) and well-drained soil. A sheltered spot is also beneficial.
Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, 6.5 to 7.0. Dig a 4 to 6-inch deep hole, placing the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upwards. Space tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for proper growth and air circulation. After planting, water sparingly until sprouts appear, then increase frequency.
Ongoing Care for ‘Happy Butterfly’
Water ‘Dahlia Happy Butterfly’ consistently, especially during dry periods. Deep water two to three times a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize to support vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, higher in phosphorus and potassium (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20), applying it about 30 days after planting and then every three to four weeks throughout the growing season. Container-grown dahlias may need more frequent fertilization, every two to three weeks, as nutrients leach faster.
Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Cut the faded stem down to the nearest healthy leaves. Deadhead weekly, or every few days during peak bloom.
‘Happy Butterfly’ dahlias are susceptible to common pests like aphids, spider mites, slugs, snails, and thrips, and diseases such as powdery mildew, botrytis, and mosaic viruses. In colder climates (below USDA Zone 8), lift tubers after the first hard frost and store them in a cool, dry, dark place (40-50°F / 4.5-10°C) in peat moss or vermiculite until spring.