Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss’

Description

Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss’ is a stunning variety with vibrant bright-pink flowers set against dark purple-bronze foliage. This compact dahlia reaches a height and spread of 40cm, making it ideal for garden borders and containers. Flowering from summer until the first hard frosts of autumn, Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss’ is a magnet for bees and other pollinators. Follow this planting guide to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss’ is in spring after the risk of frost has passed. Warmer soil helps tubers establish quickly, leading to vigorous growth and prolific flowering.
• Late Spring to Early Summer: Potted dahlias can be planted slightly later in the season, ensuring a head start on flowering.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. A location receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily will promote strong growth and continuous blooms.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential for Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss.’ Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil, as excessive moisture can cause tuber rot. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil structure and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 30cm and enrich it with organic matter.
2. Planting Tubers: If planting tubers, position them 10-15cm deep with the growing eye facing upward. Space multiple plants at least 30cm apart.
3. Planting Potted Dahlias: For container-grown Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss,’ plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help establish strong roots.

Watering Requirements

• During Growth: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 2-3 times per week during dry periods to support healthy flowering.
• Container Plants: Ensure containers have good drainage and water regularly, as potted plants dry out faster.
• Avoid Overwatering: Overly wet soil can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.

Feeding Schedule

• Early Growth: Apply a balanced fertiliser when new shoots emerge to support strong growth.
• Flowering Season: Switch to a high-potassium feed, such as tomato fertiliser, every two weeks to encourage continuous blooming.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss’ to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to promote new blooms and extend the flowering season.
• Pinching: Pinch out the growing tips when plants reach 30cm to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
• End of Season Care: Once the first frosts blacken the foliage, cut back stems to ground level.

Overwintering Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss’

• In Warmer Areas: In milder climates, tubers can be left in the ground with a thick mulch layer for protection.
• In Cooler Areas: Lift tubers in late autumn, clean off excess soil, and store them in a dry, frost-free place over winter.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Although Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss’ is a compact variety, it may benefit from light support in exposed locations.
• Wind Protection: Position plants in a sheltered spot to prevent damage from strong winds.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss’ is a low-maintenance, high-impact addition to any garden. With proper care, this striking variety will reward you with long-lasting colour and abundant blooms throughout the growing season. Whether grown in borders or containers, Dahlia ‘Dreamy Kiss’ is a must-have for any flower enthusiast.

RHS Details

See more Dahlia from Proctors