The ‘Mystic Sparkler’ dahlia is a popular choice for gardens, known for its striking visual appeal and vibrant presence. This cultivar enhances any landscape with its unique charm and engaging display of color and form.
What Makes ‘Mystic Sparkler’ Unique
The ‘Mystic Sparkler’ dahlia is known for its vivid blooms and dark foliage. Its flowers feature hot pink or cerise-pink petals fading to a sunny yellow or golden halo towards the center, surrounding a dark central disc. These medium to large, star-shaped flowers measure 3 to 6 inches in diameter.
A defining feature is its glossy, deep mahogany-black or burgundy foliage, which provides a dramatic contrast. The plant forms a compact mound, growing 30 to 48 inches tall and 20 to 36 inches wide. Its upright, bushy habit and long bloom period from mid-summer until the first frost ensure continuous garden appeal.
Planting and Site Selection
‘Mystic Sparkler’ dahlias thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours daily. Morning sun is beneficial, helping prevent scorching from hot afternoon sun.
They prefer fertile, humus-rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). For heavy clay, incorporate horticultural grit or well-rotted organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Plant tubers at the appropriate depth, spaced 20 to 24 inches apart, allowing for ample growth and air circulation.
Ongoing Care for ‘Mystic Sparkler’
Light Needs
‘Mystic Sparkler’ dahlias perform best when exposed to full sunlight. This means they need a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sun each day. Adequate sunlight promotes robust growth and abundant flowering, ensuring the plant reaches its full blooming potential.
Watering
Regular watering is important for ‘Mystic Sparkler’ dahlias, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged, as soggy conditions can lead to tuber rot. Deep watering, less frequently, is often more effective than shallow daily watering, encouraging deeper root development.
Soil Requirements
Beyond initial preparation, maintaining fertile and well-drained soil remains important for ongoing plant health. Enriching the soil with organic matter helps retain moisture and provides a steady supply of nutrients. While ‘Mystic Sparkler’ is not particularly sensitive to soil pH, it thrives in rich soils.
Fertilizing
Dahlias are considered “hungry plants” and benefit from consistent fertilization to support their vigorous growth and prolific blooming. When new growth begins, a balanced fertilizer can be applied. As the season progresses and the plant matures, switching to a lower nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 ratio, every three to four weeks is beneficial to encourage more blooms rather than just foliage.
Deadheading and Support
Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, is an important practice for ‘Mystic Sparkler’ dahlias. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season by redirecting energy from seed production to new bud formation. For taller varieties, providing support with stakes early in the season is recommended to prevent stems from bending or breaking under the weight of large flowers or strong winds.
Overwintering ‘Mystic Sparkler’ Dahlias
In colder climates, ‘Mystic Sparkler’ dahlias are typically treated as annuals, or their tubers are lifted and stored for winter. In USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10 (where temperatures rarely drop below 20°F), tubers can often remain in the ground if soil is well-drained. For zones 3-7, digging up tubers is necessary.
After the first frost blackens foliage, cut stems back to 4-6 inches. Gently dig and lift tubers, taking care not to damage them. Air dry tubers for a few days in a cool, dark, protected area. Store them in a cool, dark, humid place (40-50°F), such as an unheated basement, packed in peat moss, vermiculite, or slightly damp potting soil in ventilated boxes or containers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
‘Mystic Sparkler’ dahlias can encounter common garden problems. Pests like slugs, snails, and earwigs target new shoots, leaves, and buds. Aphids, spider mites, and thrips cause leaf discoloration and plant weakening. Regular inspection and appropriate controls manage these pests.
Diseases include powdery mildew (white film on leaves) and gray mold (bud rot), often due to humidity or poor air circulation. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent fungal issues. Non-blooming plants may suffer from insufficient sunlight, unbalanced nutrition (too much nitrogen), or a need for deadheading. Addressing these factors can restore blooming.