Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’

Description

Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ is a stunning dahlia variety, known for its elegant white flowers tinged with pink, contrasted by deep purple foliage that turns almost black in the middle of the growing season. This versatile and beautiful plant thrives in gardens and containers, blooming from mid-summer until the first frosts. Follow this planting and care guide to ensure your Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ flourishes throughout the season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ is in the spring when the soil has warmed up. This allows the plant to establish roots before the blooming season begins.
• Late Spring/Early Summer: If you prefer to wait until the risk of frost has passed, you can plant your Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ later in the spring or early summer.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant it in a sunny spot for optimal flowering.
• Soil: Ensure well-drained soil for your Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’. This dahlia does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential to avoid root rot. Incorporate organic matter such as compost to enhance soil fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’. This provides ample space for the roots to establish and grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix organic matter or compost into the soil to improve both fertility and drainage. Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ thrives in nutrient-rich soil, promoting healthy growth and abundant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the tuber into the hole, making sure the top is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil to remove air pockets and ensure good root contact.
4. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root development. Ensure the area drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ is moderately drought-tolerant. Water regularly during dry spells but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• During the Blooming Period: Keep the soil consistently moist during the blooming period to encourage vigorous flower production.
• Dormant Season: When Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ enters dormancy in the winter, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Early Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support strong growth for Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ as it emerges from dormancy. A balanced fertiliser helps promote healthy root and foliage development.
• Mid-Summer: Fertilise lightly in mid-summer to encourage continuous blooming. Be cautious not to overfeed, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading also helps prolong the flowering season for Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’.
• Autumn Pruning: After the first frost, cut back the plant to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and ensures healthy growth the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ in spring to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulch such as compost or bark chips works best.
• Winter: During the winter, add extra mulch around the plant to protect the tubers from frost and ensure they survive the cold season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ has sturdy stems, but if planted in a windy area, consider staking the plant to prevent any damage. Using plant supports or stakes ensures that your dahlia maintains a strong structure, especially as it grows taller.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ is an eye-catching and low-maintenance plant that adds striking beauty to your garden with its white-pink blooms and deep purple foliage. By planting it in well-drained soil, in full sun, and by following the care instructions in this guide, your Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’ will reward you with an impressive display of flowers from mid-summer until the first frosts. Add this stunning variety to your garden or patio for a year-round splash of colour and texture.

RHS Details

See more Dahlias from Proctors