The ‘Rosie Raven’ dahlia is a distinctive choice for gardeners seeking to add rich, deep color to their landscape. Its unique appearance stands out among other dahlia varieties, enhancing garden aesthetics with striking blooms.
Unique Characteristics of Rosie Raven Dahlia
The ‘Rosie Raven’ dahlia distinguishes itself with captivating physical attributes. Its flowers are a rich mulberry crimson, appearing as dark, deep tones of black-red or burgundy, sometimes with frilly plum and crimson petals. This dahlia falls into the Anemone-flowered group, characterized by double flowers with flat ray-florets encircling a dense central cluster of shorter tubular florets. Blooms are 2.5 to 6 inches, often around 4 inches in diameter. The plant reaches 2.5 to 3.5 feet (0.75-1 meter) in height, with a spread of 0.3 to 1.6 feet (0.1-0.5 meters). This shorter stature makes it suitable for borders or walkways, offering a unique visual impact compared to taller dahlia varieties.
Planting and Growing Rosie Raven Dahlia
Establishing ‘Rosie Raven’ dahlias requires optimal planting conditions. These plants thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. While they tolerate partial shade, plants may lean towards the sun, leading to uneven growth. The preferred soil is well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Loosening the soil to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm) before planting ensures good drainage and root development.
Plant ‘Rosie Raven’ dahlia tubers after the last spring frost, once soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C). Plant tubers 3 to 6 inches deep, with the sprout-end facing up. Space individual tubers 12 to 18 inches apart for proper growth and air circulation. After placing the tuber, fill the hole, firmly pressing the soil to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly. Starting tubers indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting outdoors can result in earlier blooms.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once ‘Rosie Raven’ dahlias are established, consistent care supports their health and prolific blooming. Water adequately, especially during dry periods, with deep watering once or twice a week. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering newly planted tubers to prevent rot; water only once at planting, then resume after sprouts appear.
Fertilization benefits dahlias; apply an organic water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks until September. A bloom-type fertilizer, higher in phosphorus, promotes more flowers. Deadheading spent blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers. Trim spent flowers just above where the stem meets a leaf.
Staking is recommended to provide support and prevent stems from breaking, especially once blooms become heavy. Regularly check for common pests like aphids, leaf miners, and slugs. Maintain good air circulation by removing lower leaves and avoiding dense plantings to help prevent diseases like powdery mildew.
Overwintering Rosie Raven Dahlia
In colder climates where winter temperatures fall below freezing, ‘Rosie Raven’ dahlia tubers are tender perennials requiring indoor storage. After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, cut the top growth back to 2 to 4 inches above the ground. Carefully dig up the tubers, taking care not to damage them.
Once lifted, allow tubers to dry for a few days in a frost-free location away from direct sunlight. After drying, gently remove excess soil, leaving 1 to 2 inches of stem attached. Store cleaned tubers in a ventilated box or basket, layered with peat moss, clean wood shavings, or vermiculite.
The ideal storage temperature is between 40°F and 50°F (4.5°C to 10°C) to prevent freezing or premature sprouting. Maintaining proper humidity is important; too much moisture leads to mold and rot, while too little causes shriveling. Check stored tubers periodically throughout winter for firmness, discarding any soft or rotten ones. Replant these overwintered tubers in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.