The garden had the opportunity to test the virtuosos Dahlias last year and I started to whisper: “It should not take time.” The thought of a hot summer of Georgia and Dahlias looked like a horticultural train wreck. But when the first virtuoso Pinkerific Bloom opened, I said to myself “OMG, I am a Dahlia producer!”
In July, I was heading for the heels with the pink yellow and dayglo class carmine and the vibrant purple and I wrote about them in this column.
Even if I was in love with virtuoso dahlias in July, I still expected death and destruction. What I did not expect are incredible flowers in October.
Before being able to declare the victory, James Winter sent me photos of Kim Mixon’s house in Phenix City, in Alabama. He was about to switch to fresh seasonal flowers and was going to draw flourishing dahlias
The flowers of November were not the last surprise, however, because the neighbors Dave and his bride Cynthia were surprised to do the happy dance of spring with the return of pink and chic winter carmines. These were cultivated in pots outside without any protection. The virtuoso Pinkerfic Dahlia was twinned with Augusta Lavender Hiotrope, which had also returned from winter. Lavender blue and succulent pink were just perfect
I posted a photo on my Facebook page and I quickly heard of Kathy Thomas, who lives about an hour north-west of Atlanta. She had seen my message from last year and placed the pink virtuoso on her essential list. But she chose the mixture of Lantana succulent pink berries for the combination, and it was simply perfect.
Since I wrote this chronicle a year ago, Virtuoso Red Raz has been added to the group. I loved my Carmine Dahlia Chic combinations with Stardiva Blue Scaevola and the Sabria Yellow Supertunia Saffron Finch Petunia.
I combined the virtuoso vibrant purple Dahlia with Stardiva Pink Scaevola and Superblls Brackcurrant Punch Calibrachoa. The only thing we have done was similar was a plant in boxes, concrete planters or large bowls. They were also planted in an area which receives protection from the shadow of the afternoon. I expect the beds with a well -drained fertile soil will be done as well.
The plants will reach up to 18 inches high and largely, so plan to space 15 to 18 inches apart. Those developing in containers will probably need water daily, especially in the South. This means that nutrients will be fairly quickly. It will be a good idea to nourish soluble fertilizers in water every two to three weeks.
Those who grow in beds will also need fertilizer, but with controlled liberation granules. This will be done according to your formula or brand recommendations. This is generally done in planting and in the middle of summer.
Virtuoso Dahlias are sold in transplantation against tubers for producers of cut flowers or competition. Virtuoso Dahlias makes excellent cut flowers. Even if you do not cut for inner pleasure, make a practice in Deadhead to increase your flowers,
The Dahlias Virtuoso are making their debut this year with five colors, pink, carmine chic, vibrant purple, day yellow and red Rzz. They are sold as transplants, so it is easy.
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(Norman Winter, horticulturalist, lecturer of the garden and author of “Flowers hard as the flowers for the South” and “Captivating combinations: color and style in the garden”. Follow it on Facebook @NormwinterthegardeGuy.)
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