Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’

Description

Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’ is a striking variety known for its large, densely filled burgundy blooms on strong, upright stems. Growing to a height of 40cm, it is perfect for planting in large containers or garden beds. With a long flowering period from summer until the first frosts, Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’ is an excellent choice for continuous colour in the garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, providing vibrant, season-long interest with minimal maintenance.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’ is in spring when the soil has started to warm. This allows for strong root development and promotes a long-lasting display of flowers.
• After Frosts: Wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting, as young dahlias are vulnerable to cold temperatures.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’ requires full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure abundant flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil is essential for healthy growth. Improve drainage by adding compost or organic matter if the soil is heavy.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth to allow roots to spread easily.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the planting area to enrich the soil.
3. Planting: Position Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’ in the hole, ensuring the crown is just above soil level. Backfill carefully, pressing the soil down to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help the plant settle and encourage root establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Water Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’ regularly, especially during dry periods, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess moisture can cause root rot, so ensure the planting site has good drainage.

Feeding

• Early Growth: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support strong foliage and flower production.
• During Blooming: Use a potassium-rich fertiliser, such as tomato feed, to encourage continuous flowering of Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to extend the flowering period and maintain a neat appearance.
• Autumn Pruning: Cut back the stems to ground level after flowering has finished to prepare Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’ for dormancy.

Mulching and Winter Care

• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter Protection: In colder areas, lift and store the tubers in a cool, dry place after the first frost. Alternatively, apply a thick mulch layer if leaving in the ground for added protection.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: While Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’ has strong stems, staking may be beneficial in windy locations to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Lubega XL Burgundy’ is a stunning and easy-to-grow plant that provides continuous colour throughout the growing season. By ensuring full sun, well-drained soil, and proper care, you can enjoy its rich burgundy blooms from summer until the first frosts. Ideal for large containers or garden beds, this dahlia is a fantastic addition to any outdoor space, offering vibrant, long-lasting beauty with minimal effort.

RHS Details

See more Dahlia from Proctors