Dahlias are popular garden plants, celebrated for their diverse forms and vibrant colors. The ‘Yarra Falls’ dahlia stands out, bringing distinctive charm and dramatic flair to garden spaces with its impressive blooms. It offers a rewarding experience for gardeners.
What is Yarra Falls Dahlia?
The ‘Yarra Falls’ dahlia is classified as a decorative dahlia, often reaching dinnerplate sizes in ideal conditions. Its blooms feature a striking color combination, typically displaying purple-red hues with distinct white tips on the curled petals, creating a visually appealing contrast. The plant grows to a height of approximately 90 to 110 cm (35 to 44 inches) and can spread 45 to 90 cm (18 to 35 inches) wide.
This variety boasts an extended flowering period, typically blooming from July through November, or until the first hard frost arrives. Its large, showy flowers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. ‘Yarra Falls’ dahlias are suitable for various garden uses, including borders, mass plantings, containers, and cutting gardens.
Growing and Caring for Yarra Falls Dahlia
‘Yarra Falls’ dahlias thrive in locations that receive ample sunlight, ideally a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sun each day. While they prefer full sun, some afternoon shade can be beneficial in very hot climates to protect the blooms. The soil should be well-drained and fertile, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Incorporating well-aged compost or other organic matter before planting improves soil structure and nutrient availability.
Newly planted tubers should only receive light watering until sprouts emerge, typically in three to ten weeks, to prevent rot. Once established, ‘Yarra Falls’ dahlias benefit from deep watering one to three times per week, depending on soil type and weather conditions. Consistent moisture is beneficial, but waterlogging should be avoided, as it can lead to tuber rot.
Given their potential height, staking is often necessary to provide support and prevent stems from bending or breaking, especially as the large blooms develop. Stakes should be placed at planting time to avoid damaging the tubers later. Regular deadheading encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season. Applying a balanced fertilizer periodically during the growing season also supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
Overwintering Yarra Falls Dahlia Tubers
In regions experiencing freezing winter temperatures, ‘Yarra Falls’ dahlia tubers need to be lifted from the ground and stored indoors to survive. The process begins after the first hard frost has killed the foliage. Wait one to two weeks after this frost before digging, as it allows the tubers to mature and develop “eyes” for the next growing season.
After carefully digging up the clumps, gently rinse off excess soil and allow them to air dry for several days to a few weeks in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Once dried and cured, trim off any small root hairs or damaged parts. Store the tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free environment where temperatures remain between 4 to 10 degrees Celsius (40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
Optimal storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, which help maintain appropriate humidity levels and prevent moisture loss or excessive dampness. Tubers can be placed in cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or paper bags, ensuring good air circulation. Periodically check the stored tubers throughout winter and remove any that show signs of rot or shriveling. In the spring, once the danger of frost has completely passed and soil temperatures have warmed, the tubers can be replanted outdoors for another season of blooms.
Common Pests and Diseases
‘Yarra Falls’ dahlias can encounter certain pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, which feed on plant sap, and slugs or snails that can damage young shoots and leaves. Spider mites might also become an issue, especially in hot, dry conditions, causing stippling on foliage. Monitoring plants regularly helps in early detection, allowing for timely intervention through methods like washing off pests with water or using insecticidal soaps.
Dahlias are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis blight. Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery patches on leaves, particularly in humid conditions, though it rarely kills the plant. Botrytis blight, also known as gray mold, causes brown, water-soaked spots that develop a fuzzy, gray mold, often occurring in humid weather. Maintaining good air circulation by proper plant spacing and removing affected foliage can help prevent these issues. Well-draining soil is also important to prevent stem rot, caused by excessively wet conditions.