The Red Fox Dahlia is a popular choice for garden enthusiasts, offering a vibrant display. Its striking color and distinct bloom form add visual interest to any landscape, providing continuous color and appealing texture throughout the growing season. This dahlia creates a focal point in flower beds and borders.
Understanding Red Fox Dahlias
Red Fox Dahlias produce decorative or ball-form blooms, 3 to 4 inches (7-10 cm) across. These flowers are a vivid red, sometimes described as cherry or fire red, and can include orange and bronze tones. Plants reach 3 to 4 feet (0.5-1 meters or 90 cm) tall, with sturdy stems suitable for cutting. They bloom from midsummer, typically July, through the first frost, often into October, contributing to garden appeal during warmer months. As a tuberous plant, it grows from underground storage organs.
Planting Red Fox Dahlias
Plant Red Fox Dahlia tubers in spring, after the last frost and when soil temperature reaches about 60°F (15°C). Choose a site with full sun (6 to 8 hours daily) for optimal blooming. Protection from strong winds also supports taller plants.
Dahlias thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Amend heavy clay soils with compost, aged manure, or peat moss to enhance drainage and aeration. Dig a 4 to 6-inch deep hole, placing the tuber with its “eye” facing upwards.
Cover the tuber with 2 to 3 inches of soil initially, then gradually fill the hole as the plant grows. Do not water immediately after planting, as this can cause tuber rot before roots develop. Begin watering once green growth appears above the soil. Space tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for adequate air circulation and growth.
Caring for Red Fox Dahlias
Consistent watering is important for Red Fox Dahlias once established, typically requiring 1 to 2 inches per week. Deep watering encourages a robust root system. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. Apply water directly to the soil, not the foliage, to minimize disease development.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant blooms. A low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 blend, is recommended. Apply the first dose about 30 days after planting, followed by monthly applications. Incorporating compost into the soil also provides a steady supply of nutrients.
Taller Red Fox Dahlia varieties, reaching up to 4 feet, benefit from staking to prevent stems from breaking under bloom weight or wind. Install a sturdy stake near the tuber at planting, tying stems to it every 12 to 18 inches as the plant grows.
Removing spent flowers, a process known as deadheading, encourages more blooms by redirecting energy from seed production. Distinguishing spent blooms from new buds is key: spent blooms are often more pointed, while new buds are round and compact.
Overwintering Red Fox Dahlias
In regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing (USDA Zones 3-7), Red Fox Dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored indoors to protect them from frost. After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, cut plant stems back to a few inches above ground. Waiting about 10 days after this frost allows the tubers to “cure” in the ground, signaling them to enter dormancy.
Carefully lift the tubers from the soil, taking care not to damage them. Gently wash off excess dirt, being cautious not to puncture the skin. Allow the tubers to air dry for one to two days in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Once dry, store them in a cool, dark, and dry location where temperatures remain between 40°F and 50°F (4-10°C).
Suitable storage mediums include peat moss, sand, or newspaper-lined cardboard boxes, ensuring good air circulation and preventing direct contact between tubers. Periodically checking the stored tubers throughout winter for any signs of rot or desiccation helps ensure their viability for replanting in spring.
Addressing Common Dahlia Problems
Red Fox Dahlias can face common issues. Pests like slugs and snails are problematic for young foliage. Aphids, spider mites, and thrips cause leaf discoloration or distortion by feeding on plant sap. Improve air circulation and use insecticidal soaps to manage these pests.
Diseases like powdery mildew (white coating on leaves) and Botrytis (grey mold, brown spots) are encouraged by humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent these fungal issues. Yellowing leaves can signal problems, including overwatering, which leads to root rot if soil remains too moist. Remove and destroy affected plant parts to limit disease spread.