As part of any flower bed, there are flowers that create a background, and there are pearls that attract all eyes. These flowers are Dana dahlias. This incredibly beautiful variety belonging to the cactus dahlia family will decorate any flower garden.
Characteristic of the variety
Dahlia Dana is an annual tuberous plant. It is impossible not to notice this flower, because the height of this dahlia is almost 120 cm. The bushes of Dana’s dahlias are very branchy, but despite this, they are compact in size. The stems of this variety are hollow and strong with many feathery dark green leaves.
Cactus dahlias, which include Dana, got their name for a reason. The photo below shows that the petals of these flowers are twisted into tubes, thereby making the flower look like a prickly cactus.
The size of the flowers of this variety is not inferior to the size of their stems. Dana’s inflorescence diameter can be from 15 to 20 cm. This dahlia variety has a very interesting color. The bright pink color of its petals changes to yellow as it approaches the center of the inflorescence, forming a solar core.
Dana can be grown with equal success as an integral part of the flower bed, and for cutting. Dana’s dahlia blooms for quite a long time – from July to September.
Recommendations for growing
Dana is undemanding to the composition of the soil, but it will be best for her on light and cultivated land. As for the landing site, it is worth giving preference to a sunny flower bed, protected from the wind.
This variety is very sensitive to frost. Therefore, it is worth landing Dana in the middle lane only after they are completely finished. As a rule, this period falls on the end of May – the beginning of June.
When planting tubers, you must adhere to the recommended planting scheme:
- between plants should be from 30 to 40 cm;
- the height from the tuber to the ground should be no more than 7 cm.
Caring for young shoots and adult flowers is easy. It will include the following procedures:
- Watering. It must be carried out regularly. Dahlias Dana do not like drying out of the soil.
- Additional fertilizing. Fertilize dahlias only after watering. To do this, use an infusion of mullein, superphosphate with the addition of ash and potassium sulfate. The frequency of feeding should not exceed 1 time in 10 days.
- Mulching. Laying mulch on the flower bed will reduce the evaporation of moisture, thereby protecting the soil from severe drying out.
- Removing side shoots. This procedure is necessary for early and longer flowering of dahlias. At the same time, shoots must be removed up to the 4th pair of leaves.
In autumn, in mid-September or early October, dahlia tubers must be dug up. If this is not done, then during the winter they will freeze. Dug tubers should be stored in sand or peat at a temperature of +3 to +7 degrees.
We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video, which will clearly show the process of planting dahlias:
