The ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ dahlia is a popular choice for gardeners due to its appealing blooms and straightforward care. This variety stands out for its unique characteristics, appealing to enthusiasts seeking consistent summer and autumn color. Understanding its specific needs allows gardeners to maximize its display.
Meet the Glorie van Heemstede Dahlia
The ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ dahlia is recognized for its distinctive waterlily-shaped flowers. These blooms present in shades of golden yellow, ranging from buttery yellow to apricot-orange or salmon, adding a luminous quality to the garden. Flowers can reach an impressive size, often between 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) across. This dahlia grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters), making it suitable for borders or as a focal point. It blooms from mid-summer through fall, providing extended seasonal interest.
First introduced in 1947 by Geerlings in Holland, ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ has maintained its popularity. Its enduring appeal is due to its classic waterlily form and consistent, abundant flowering. The plant’s sturdy stems make it well-suited for cut flower arrangements. This cultivar has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit, underscoring its reliability and ornamental value.
Getting Started with Glorie van Heemstede Dahlias
Successful cultivation of ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ dahlias begins with selecting an appropriate planting site. These plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. A location offering some protection from strong winds is beneficial, supporting tall stems and large flowers.
Soil preparation is important for healthy dahlia growth. ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ dahlias prefer moderately fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. For heavy clay, incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure can improve drainage and fertility. Raised beds are an option for areas with heavy soil.
The best time to plant dahlia tubers outdoors is in spring, after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. This aligns with when you would plant tomatoes in your region. Tubers should be planted horizontally about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep, ensuring the “eyes” or growth points face upwards. Proper spacing is important, with tubers placed 18 to 30 inches (45 to 75 cm) apart for adequate air circulation and growth. After planting, provide a thorough initial watering to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care for Glorie van Heemstede Dahlias
Once established, ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ dahlias benefit from consistent watering, especially during dry spells, as they are thirsty plants. Water deeply when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to tuber rot, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely for extended periods.
Fertilization supports continuous blooming. A balanced rose, tomato, or general garden fertilizer can be applied monthly from early summer until early fall. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, such as lawn fertilizer, as these promote leafy growth at the expense of flower production. A high-potash fertilizer can be beneficial from July to September to encourage robust flowering.
Due to their height and large blooms, ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ dahlias often require staking. Installing stakes at planting time is more convenient than waiting until plants are fully grown and foliage is dense. Garden twine can tie growing stalks to stakes as they lengthen. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, encourages more flowers throughout the season. Regularly inspect plants for common pests like aphids, slugs, or snails, and address issues promptly to maintain plant health.
Protecting Your Dahlias Over Winter
In regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing, ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ dahlia tubers are not winter-hardy and require protection. Preparing them for winter dormancy begins after the first hard frost blackens the foliage. This signals the plant to send energy back into the tubers for storage.
Carefully dig up the tubers using a garden fork to loosen the soil around the plant. Gently lift the entire clump, shaking off excess soil. After digging, tubers need to be cleaned and dried properly. Rinse any remaining soil from the tubers and air dry them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for several days to a week. This curing process helps harden the skin, reducing rot during storage.
Once dried, store the tubers in a cool, dim, frost-free location where temperatures remain consistently between 40-45° F (4-7° C). Optimal humidity levels are important to prevent shriveling or rotting. Store them in a medium like slightly moist potting compost, sand, or vermiculite, which helps maintain a stable environment. Placing them in shallow trays or cardboard boxes with good air circulation is ideal, ensuring they are not exposed to excessive moisture or extreme temperature fluctuations throughout winter.