The Princess Elizabeth dahlia is a cherished addition to many gardens, celebrated for its captivating blooms. This popular flower brings elegance and vibrant color, enhancing garden aesthetics throughout its blooming season.
Understanding Princess Elizabeth Dahlia
The Princess Elizabeth dahlia produces charming double flowers, typically 4 inches across. Its coloration is a delicate blend of salmon-pink and creamy yellow, sometimes described as coral with gold undertones, creating a soft, appealing display.
This dahlia variety generally reaches 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm) tall. Its purplish-green foliage contrasts nicely with the pastel blooms. Princess Elizabeth dahlias typically bloom from midsummer until the first frost.
Growing Princess Elizabeth Dahlia
Plant Princess Elizabeth dahlia tubers in spring, after the last frost and when soil temperature reaches about 60°F (15°C). This allows tubers to establish in warm conditions, preventing rot. A good indicator is planting them a few days after tomatoes are typically planted in your region.
Choose a garden site with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. While dahlias tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, full sun encourages the most prolific blooms. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter.
Prepare the planting site by amending heavy clay soils with compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and aeration. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber with the “eye” (growth bud) facing upwards. Space multiple tubers 18 to 20 inches apart for adequate airflow and growth. After planting, avoid watering immediately; wait until sprouts emerge to prevent tuber rot.
Ongoing Care for Princess Elizabeth Dahlia
Once Princess Elizabeth dahlias sprout, consistent watering is important, especially during dry periods. Deep watering three to four times a week for at least 60 minutes, using a sprinkler or soaker hose, is more effective than frequent shallow watering, ensuring moisture reaches the tubers’ roots. In containers, water one to two times daily until water drains from the bottom.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer every few weeks during summer. High-potash fertilizers encourage bloom production. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Deadheading spent blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than setting seeds. Use sharp, clean pruners to snip off faded flowers just above the nearest set of healthy leaves or buds. Regular deadheading improves appearance and signals continued blooming until the first frost.
Due to their height, Princess Elizabeth dahlias benefit from staking to prevent stems from bending or breaking, especially during strong winds or heavy rain. Insert stakes into the soil at planting time to avoid disturbing the tuber later. Bamboo canes, metal rods, or tomato cages provide adequate support, with soft ties used to secure stems loosely as the plant grows.
Overwintering Princess Elizabeth Dahlia
In colder climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8), Princess Elizabeth dahlia tubers are not winter-hardy and must be lifted before the first hard frost. Gardeners in warmer zones (8-10) may leave tubers in the ground with a thick layer of mulch, but lifting is still advisable in zone 7 for better protection. Wait one to two weeks after the first killing frost, when foliage has turned brown, before digging.
To lift tubers, cut stalks back to 4 inches, then gently loosen soil around the clump with a pitchfork, starting 8 to 12 inches away from the stem to avoid damage. Carefully lift the entire tuber clump, brushing off excess soil. Rinse tubers thoroughly with water, then allow them to dry for a few days in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area.
Once dry, store tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location where temperatures remain between 40°F and 50°F (4°C and 10°C). Pack them in a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust to maintain humidity and prevent desiccation or rot. Check tubers periodically throughout winter for signs of rot or shriveling, adjusting storage conditions as needed.
Common Problems and Solutions
A common issue with Princess Elizabeth dahlias is a lack of blooms, often stemming from insufficient sunlight or nutrient imbalances. Dahlias require a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily to flower prolifically. Adjusting planting location or ensuring proper fertilization can remedy this, avoiding excessive nitrogen that promotes foliage over flowers.
Leggy growth, characterized by tall, stretched stems with sparse leaves, indicates inadequate light. If plants are reaching for the sun, move them to a brighter location. Pinching back the central stalk when the plant is 18-20 inches tall encourages bushier growth and more blooms.
Wilting can signal overwatering or underwatering. If leaves are yellow and soft, tubers may be waterlogged, indicating poor drainage. If leaves are yellow, dry, and curling, the plant is likely thirsty. Checking soil moisture regularly and adjusting watering practices, ensuring deep but infrequent applications, prevents these issues.
Common pests like aphids, slugs, earwigs, and spider mites can affect dahlias. Aphids cause yellowed or distorted leaves and can be dislodged with a strong water spray. Earwigs and slugs chew on foliage and buds; physical removal or traps are effective. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, causing mottled, yellow leaves; misting foliage and applying horticultural oils helps. Preventing issues with regular garden cleanup and maintaining plant health reduces pest pressure.