Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’

Description

Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ is a captivating new variety known for its bright sunshine-yellow flowers set against dark purple-bronze foliage. The flowers bloom throughout the summer and into autumn, attracting bees and other beneficial insects. Follow this comprehensive planting guide to ensure your Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ thrives in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ is in spring when the soil has warmed up. Planting in spring gives the tuber enough time to establish a strong root system before it starts blooming.
• Early Summer: If you’re planting later in the season, early summer is also suitable, as long as all risk of frost has passed.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia thrives in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. Ensure the location you choose receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote healthy growth and vibrant flower production.
• Soil: Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ prefers well-drained soil. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so it’s essential to have good drainage to prevent root rot. Improve soil fertility and drainage by incorporating compost or organic matter before planting.

Planting

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole about twice the width and the same depth as the tuber of Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’. This allows plenty of space for the roots to spread and grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ benefits from nutrient-rich soil that encourages strong, healthy growth.
3. Planting: Place the tuber into the prepared hole with the growing tips facing upwards. Backfill the hole with soil and gently firm it to remove any air pockets. This ensures that the tuber is well-supported.
4. Watering After Planting: Water Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ thoroughly after planting. This helps settle the soil around the tuber and encourages root establishment. Be sure the area drains well to avoid standing water.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ is moderately drought-tolerant. During dry spells, water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering during the dormant season, typically in winter. Dahlia needs minimal water during dormancy, so only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser at the start of the growing season to give Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ a healthy boost. This supports strong growth and encourages vibrant flowering.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer helps maintain the plant’s vigour and encourages continued blooming throughout the season.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’. Deadheading promotes continuous blooming and helps keep the plant looking tidy.
• Autumn Pruning: After the final blooms fade in autumn, cut back to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and encourages healthy growth in the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: In spring, apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Dahlia. This helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature for optimal growth.
• Winter: Add mulch around the plant in winter to protect the tubers from cold temperatures and prevent frost damage, ensuring the plant survives through the winter months.

Supporting

While Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ has sturdy stems, taller plants may benefit from staking to prevent damage from wind or heavy rain. In exposed areas, use stakes to provide extra support and keep the plant upright.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ is a low-maintenance, visually striking variety that will add vibrant colour to your garden. By planting it in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil and following the care instructions, your Dahlia will produce beautiful blooms from late summer through autumn. This stunning variety is also highly attractive to pollinators, making it a fantastic choice for any garden.

RHS Details 

See more Dahlias from Proctors