Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Diamonds are Forever BUT Dahlias are a Girl's Best Friend

Just the other day I felt like a real "old school" gardener, actually flipping through bulb catalogs deciding on Dahlias for spring planting AND I wasn't online. A couple of favorite purveyors immediately come to mind: Dutch Gardens for top-quality varieties that have stood the test of time, along with Swan Island and Connells who cater to collectors and connoisseurs.

Dahlias are so popular these days. It's no wonder, they are easy to grow and bloom their fool heads off summer and fall. I have some faves. In the dinner plate “size does matter” category, 'Kelvin Floodlight' shines like a beacon. Ginormous lemon yellow blossoms dare you to pull out the measuring tape and the plants do not stop. Talk about flower power, I've included some pictures from the show garden archives.
Kelvin Floodlight Dahlia
Dare to pull out the measuring tape?



 
There is another group worthy of mention and that is the 'Karma' series. A vast arrray of colors can be had from this line that was bred for the cut flower industry. They literally produce perfect cutting stems. Need I say more? OK the variety shown is 'Karma Choc'.  Are you thinking Candyland ?

Karma Choc Dahlia

 



2 comments:

  1. you need to invent a "dahlia ditch digger" just sayin'

    ReplyDelete
  2. Can you recommend any Dahlias that grow in the shade, don't need staking and blossom profusely from April to Christmas? I know you can!
    Tish

    ReplyDelete

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