The ‘Penny Lane’ dahlia offers a delightful presence in garden spaces, known for its appealing blooms. Gardeners are drawn to this variety for its charming appearance, making it a popular choice for adding visual interest to borders and cutting gardens. It produces a consistent display of flowers throughout the growing season, enriching the outdoor environment.
Unique Characteristics
‘Penny Lane’ dahlias display a striking blend of colors, shifting from pale to deeper apricot hues, often with contrasting reddish-orange stripes. Blooms can also feature creamy tones with subtle hints of burgundy pink. This dahlia produces decorative or dinnerplate-sized blooms, reaching an impressive diameter of 5 to 6 inches. The plants grow to a height of 3.5 to 5 feet, with strong stems that support their substantial flowers.
Planting and Growing Care
Site Selection and Soil
‘Penny Lane’ dahlias thrive in locations receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, ensuring robust growth and abundant flowering. They prefer rich, well-draining soil generously amended with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. The ideal soil pH for dahlias ranges between 6.0 and 7.5. For heavy clay, incorporating these amendments improves drainage and aeration, crucial for tuber health. Loosen the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches for strong root establishment.
Planting Instructions
Plant ‘Penny Lane’ dahlia tubers after the last spring frost, when the soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F (15°C). Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep and position the tuber horizontally on its side, ensuring the “eye” or growth bud faces upwards. Cover the tuber with a few inches of soil. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart for adequate air circulation and growth.
Watering and Fertilizing
After planting, avoid watering tubers immediately unless the soil is exceptionally dry, as too much moisture before sprouts emerge can lead to rot. Begin deep watering once green shoots or true leaves appear above the ground. Established ‘Penny Lane’ dahlias require consistent, deep watering, typically two to four times per week, especially during dry periods, aiming for about an inch of water per week. For fertilization, use a low-nitrogen formula with NPK ratios such as 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Apply fertilizer every three to four weeks from mid-summer until early autumn to encourage prolific blooming, avoiding over-fertilization with nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Staking and Deadheading
Given their potential height of up to 5 feet and substantial blooms, ‘Penny Lane’ dahlias often require staking to prevent stems from breaking, particularly in windy conditions. It is beneficial to install stakes, such as sturdy wooden or metal poles, at the time of planting, positioning them a few inches from the tuber to avoid damage. As the plant grows, loosely tie the main stem to the stake. Regularly removing spent blooms, known as deadheading, is important to encourage the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season. Cut the flower stem back to the nearest set of leaves or a budding side shoot to redirect the plant’s energy into new bloom production.
Overwintering Tubers
In cold winter regions (typically USDA Zones 3-7), ‘Penny Lane’ dahlia tubers are not hardy and must be lifted from the ground and stored indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures. After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, allow the tubers to remain in the ground for one to two weeks. Carefully dig up the clumps, being gentle to avoid damaging the brittle tubers. Rinse off excess soil with a hose and allow the tubers to air dry for several weeks in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
Once dried, store the tubers in a dark, frost-free environment where temperatures remain consistently between 40-50°F (4-10°C). They can be packed in materials like dry peat moss, vermiculite, or even newspaper in cardboard boxes or crates, ensuring good air circulation around each tuber to prevent rot. Periodically check the stored tubers throughout the winter for any signs of shriveling or decay.
Common Pests and Diseases
‘Penny Lane’ dahlias can encounter various pests and diseases during their growing season. Slugs and snails are common culprits, creating irregular holes in leaves and flowers, especially during damp conditions. Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, cluster on new growth, sucking plant sap and causing leaves to yellow or curl. Spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry weather, can cause stippling and discoloration on leaves, often indicated by fine webbing. Earwigs also chew on leaves and petals, while thrips can deform flowers and discolor foliage.
For pest management, physical barriers like copper tape or diatomaceous earth can deter slugs and snails. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil offer effective organic controls for soft-bodied pests such as aphids and spider mites. Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can also help regulate pest populations naturally. Good cultural practices, such as ensuring adequate air circulation around plants by proper spacing and pruning, help prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Regularly inspecting plants allows for early detection and prompt action.