Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’

Description

Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ is a stunning variety, renowned for its elegant outward-facing flowers in mixed orange tones, complemented by a contrasting peach/pink collarette. Set against dark bronze foliage, this vibrant dahlia blooms continuously from July through to the first frosts. Standing at a height of 50 cm, it thrives in full sun or partial shade. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ flourishes in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ is during spring when the soil has warmed up. This timing allows the roots to establish before the blooming season begins, ensuring a strong and healthy plant that will produce vibrant flowers.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant in early autumn, giving the plant time to settle in before dormancy. This can promote better growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ thrives in full sun or partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for the best results in growth and flower production.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Dahlia. Avoid areas where water tends to accumulate, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. To improve soil quality and drainage, mix in organic matter such as compost.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is at least twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’. This ensures the roots have enough space to establish and grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to increase fertility and drainage. Your Dahlia will benefit from nutrient-rich soil, which supports healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the root ball of Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ into the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure that the planting area has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Dahlia is relatively drought-tolerant. Water the plant during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can cause root issues, so ensure the soil is not consistently wet.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant period, reduce watering. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to provide Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ with the necessary nutrients for a strong start to the growing season. This will encourage healthy growth and abundant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will promote continued flowering and ensure your Dahlia remains vigorous throughout the blooming season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead your Dahlia by removing spent flowers. This practice will prolong the blooming period, keep the plant looking tidy, and encourage further flower production.
• Autumn Pruning: After the final blooms fade, cut back to ground level. This will prepare the plant for dormancy and promote healthier growth the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ in spring to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Use organic materials like bark chips or compost for the best results.
• Winter: In colder months, mulch around your Dahlia to protect the roots from freezing temperatures and prevent frost heaving. This will help the plant survive through the winter and promote better growth the next spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ has strong stems, but if grown in windy locations, consider staking the plant to prevent any damage. Ensure the plant has adequate support to maintain its upright growth habit.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ is a low-maintenance yet striking plant that adds vibrant colour to any garden. By planting it in full sun or partial shade, ensuring well-drained soil, and following the care guidelines, Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ will reward you with continuous flowers from July until the first frost. With its stunning orange and pink blooms, this plant will make a beautiful addition to borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Dahlia ‘Tiger Eye’ all season long!

RHS Details

See more Dahlias from Proctors