Mrs. Eileen Dahlia is a striking garden flower, celebrated for its impressive blooms and vibrant presence. This popular dahlia cultivar brings grandeur and consistent color to outdoor spaces, making it a favorite among gardeners. Its remarkable size and captivating appearance contribute to its widespread appeal, transforming gardens into spectacular showcases.
Understanding Mrs. Eileen Dahlia
Mrs. Eileen Dahlia is recognized for its substantial blooms, often called “dinnerplate” dahlias, typically 6 to 10 inches in diameter. These large, double flowers display a warm orange or pumpkin-orange hue. Their broad, flat-tipped petals are characteristic of decorative dahlias.
The plant is an upright, bushy, tuberous perennial, reaching 3 to 4 feet tall. Its sturdy stems support the heavy blooms, which stand out against lush, dark green foliage. Mrs. Eileen Dahlia has earned multiple awards, highlighting its ornamental value.
Cultivating Mrs. Eileen Dahlia
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Mrs. Eileen Dahlia thrives in locations with abundant sunlight, ideally at least six hours daily. A sheltered spot helps protect tall plants from strong winds. The plant prefers rich, loamy, well-drained soil with a neutral pH around 6.5. Incorporating a 2 to 3-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure before planting improves soil structure and fertility.
Planting Tubers
Plant Mrs. Eileen Dahlia tubers in early spring, after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature remains above 5°C (41°F). Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep and place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” or growth point facing upwards. Space tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for optimal growth and air circulation.
Watering
After planting, refrain from watering tubers until green shoots emerge. Overwatering before this can lead to tuber rot. Once plants begin to grow, Mrs. Eileen Dahlia requires consistent moisture. Provide deep watering once or twice a week, adjusting frequency based on climate, weather, and soil type, and avoiding waterlogging.
Fertilizing
Mrs. Eileen Dahlia is a heavy feeder, benefiting from regular fertilization to support its large blooms. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal NPK ratios, or one high in phosphorus (e.g., 10-30-20), to encourage prolific flowering. Apply fertilizer bi-weekly or every two to three weeks during the active growing season. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, as this promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Staking
Due to their impressive size and hollow stems, Mrs. Eileen Dahlias require support to prevent breakage from wind or heavy rain. Install stakes at planting or shortly after to avoid damaging tubers. Individual stakes, such as sturdy wood or metal, positioned about 3 inches from the plant’s center, work well. As the plant grows, tie main stems loosely to the stake every 12 to 18 inches, allowing for natural movement.
Deadheading
Regular deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, is important for Mrs. Eileen Dahlias. This redirects the plant’s energy away from seed production and towards creating more flowers, extending the blooming season. Deadhead flowers every few days or at least once a week during peak bloom. Make the cut just above a set of healthy leaves or a new bud, which encourages new lateral growth and additional blooms.
Pest and Disease Prevention
Proactive measures help maintain the health of Mrs. Eileen Dahlia and prevent common issues. Frequent pests include aphids, slugs, snails, spider mites, and earwigs. Regularly inspect plants for early infestation signs.
Use organic controls like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or hand-picking for aphids. For slugs and snails, consider copper barriers or diatomaceous earth. Good air circulation, proper watering, and a tidy garden can also deter powdery mildew and gray mold.
Overwintering Tubers
In colder climates (USDA zones 3-7), Mrs. Eileen Dahlia tubers need to be dug up and stored indoors for winter. After the first hard frost blackens foliage, cut stalks back to a few inches above ground. Wait about 10 days before carefully digging up tubers, avoiding damage.
Clean off most soil, allow them to air dry for a day or two, then cure them in a cool, dark, frost-free location (40-50°F or 7-10°C) for one to two weeks. Store cured tubers in boxes filled with peat moss, sand, or newspaper, ensuring good air circulation, and check periodically for rot.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If Mrs. Eileen Dahlia exhibits a lack of blooms or unusually small flowers, it might be receiving too much nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes leafy growth over flowering. Insufficient sunlight, less than six hours daily, can also hinder bloom production. Ensuring the plant receives adequate light and a balanced, phosphorus-rich fertilizer can help.
Yellowing leaves often indicate either a nutrient deficiency or overwatering. Check soil moisture; consistently soggy conditions can lead to root issues. If the soil is not overly wet, a balanced fertilizer application may address nutrient needs. Spider mites can also cause yellowing and discoloration, particularly in hot, dry weather, and can be managed by hosing off plants or applying miticides if severe.
Pest infestations and diseases can also cause issues. Prompt identification and appropriate organic or chemical treatments are important for managing these.