Dahlia 'Star Wars' (part of the 'Dark Angel' series) is a compact, single-flowered variety highly valued for its striking bronze-flushed foliage and dazzling, yellow-centred, multi-coloured blooms in shades of peach, pink, and apricot. It is a fantastic choice for pots, containers, and attracting pollinators.
Key Characteristics
- Flower Type & Colour: A single (daisy-like) dahlia, known for its open flowers with petals in glowing shades of peach, pinkish-orange, and apricot around a vibrant yellow centre.
- Foliage: Features distinctive, dark green leaves with a bronze or purple tinge that provides a dramatic backdrop for the colourful flowers.
- Height: A compact, petite variety, typically growing to approximately 30cm (12 inches) in height.
- Flowering Period: Prolific blooming occurs from July to September, and often until the first autumn frosts.
- Usage: Ideal for pots, containers, and the front of mixed beds/borders due to its small stature. Its open flowers are excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Cultivation and Care
- Position: Prefers a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil.
- Planting: Plant tubers around 12-15cm deep in late spring after the risk of frost has passed.
- Maintenance: Requires regular watering, especially in dry periods. - Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous flowering.
- Overwintering: As the tubers are half-hardy, in colder areas they should be lifted and stored in a cool, dry, frost-free location over winter.