Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Pastel’

Description

Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Pastel’ is a stunning, compact variety that features large, pure-white flowers with soft lavender-pink tips and a bright, sunny-yellow centre. This beautiful Dahlia blooms from July through to the first frosts, making it a perfect addition to borders or containers. Growing to a height of 50 cm with a spread of 30 cm, it thrives in full sun and is ideal for adding vibrant colour to any garden or patio space.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Pastel’ is in the spring, after the risk of frost has passed, allowing the roots to establish before the blooming period.
• Autumn: Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Pastel’ can also be planted in early autumn to ensure it gets established before the colder months.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Pastel’ thrives in full sun. Ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
• Soil: Choose a location with well-drained, fertile soil for Dahlia. This plant does not tolerate soggy conditions, so ensuring good drainage is vital. Mixing in organic matter like compost can enhance soil structure and provide necessary nutrients.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Pastel’. This gives the roots ample space to spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Incorporate compost or organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage.
3. Planting: Place the Dahlia into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole and firm the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Dahlia is relatively drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly during the dormant season. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give your Dahlia a strong start. This encourages healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will help promote continued flowering and overall plant health.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Autumn Pruning: After the final flowers have faded in autumn, cut back the plant to the ground to prepare it for winter dormancy. This encourages stronger growth in the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Add a layer of mulch around the base of Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Pastel’ to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials such as bark chips or compost work well.
• Winter: In colder months, applying mulch around the base of the plant helps protect the roots from freezing temperatures and reduces the risk of frost damage.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Pastel’ has sturdy stems but may benefit from staking in windy conditions. Use stakes or plant supports to prevent damage from strong winds and ensure the plant remains upright.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Pastel’ is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that adds elegance to any garden. By planting it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and following these simple care instructions, your Dahlia will reward you with stunning blooms from July until the first frosts. Whether planted in borders or containers, this Dahlia will brighten your outdoor space with its pure white flowers, soft lavender-pink tips, and sunny-yellow centre!