The Penhill Autumn Shade Dahlia offers a captivating display. Its vibrant blooms add color and charm to any garden space, transforming beds and containers into striking focal points. It provides continuous beauty throughout the growing season, making it a popular choice for its consistent performance and dramatic presence.
Distinctive Features of Penhill Autumn Shade Dahlia
The ‘Penhill Autumn Shade’ dahlia is known for its distinct characteristics. Its large, fully double blooms feature luminous yellow centers that deepen into shades of salmon, peach, and apricot. Blooms often reach 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in diameter. As a semi-cactus dahlia, its quilled or rolled petals create a full, exuberant appearance. The plant grows 1.2-1.5 meters (4-5 feet) tall with a spread of 50-70 centimeters (20-27 inches), forming an upright, bushy habit.
Planting Penhill Autumn Shade Dahlia
Planting Penhill Autumn Shade Dahlia tubers requires attention to timing and site conditions. Plant tubers in spring after frost danger has passed, when soil temperature reaches at least 16°C (60°F). Dahlias need full sun (6-8 hours daily) for optimal flowering. Soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, like compost, to prevent rot.
Before planting, incorporate a 2-3 inch layer of compost. Dig holes 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) deep for each tuber, with the “eye” facing upwards. Space tubers 45 cm (18 inches) apart. After planting, water minimally unless soil is very dry, as excessive moisture can cause tubers to rot before roots establish.
Ongoing Care for Penhill Autumn Shade Dahlia
Consistent watering is important once dahlias are established. After sprouts emerge, deep water 2-3 times a week, ensuring water penetrates 8-10 inches. In hot, dry climates, daily watering may be needed, especially for container plants. Avoid wetting foliage to reduce fungal disease risk.
Regular fertilization supports abundant blooming. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing period. Due to their large blooms and height, dahlias require staking to prevent stems from breaking. Place a sturdy 5-6 foot stake near the tuber at planting and tie the plant to it every 12-18 inches.
Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to continuous blooming, extending the flowering period from July until the first frost. Monitor for pests like slugs, especially during the seedling stage. Prompt identification and preventative measures maintain plant health.
Overwintering Penhill Autumn Shade Dahlia Tubers
In regions with freezing winters, Penhill Autumn Shade Dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored for survival. Dig tubers after the first killing frost, when foliage turns black. Allow tubers to remain in the ground for 1-2 weeks after frost to cure and toughen skins for storage, provided the ground does not freeze solid.
Carefully dig around the plant, about 12 inches from the stem, using a garden fork to avoid damage. Gently lift the clump and remove excess soil by brushing or rinsing. After cleaning, allow tubers to dry and cure in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight for a few hours to several days, until dry to the touch. This drying process helps prevent rot during storage.
Once cured, store tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free environment at 4-10°C (38-50°F). Ideal humidity is 75-85%. Store tubers in crates, cardboard boxes, or plastic bins, layered with vermiculite, peat moss, or wood shavings to maintain humidity and prevent them from touching. Check monthly to remove any rotting or shriveling tubers.