Dahlia 'Fashion Monger'

Dahlia 'Fashion Monger' is a distinctive and showy collarette dahlia known for its unique two-tone flowers and open centre, which makes it popular with pollinators.

Key Characteristics

• Flower Colour & Type: Features a single row of flat outer petals that are creamy-white with raspberry-red or pinkish-red edges. The centre has a prominent "collar" of shorter, frilled creamy-white petals surrounding a golden-yellow centre disc.
• Height: The plant reaches a mature height of approximately 70cm to 1 metre (approx. 2.5-3 feet).
• Flowering Period: A prolific bloomer from July until the first autumn frosts (often into November), providing long-lasting colour.
• Usage: Ideal for use in borders, large containers, and window boxes. Its open flowers attract bees and butterflies, and it is excellent for cut flower arrangements.

Cultivation and Care

• Position: Prefers a sunny, sheltered location with moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
• Planting: Plant tubers 10-15cm deep in late spring after the risk of frost has passed. For an early start, tubers can be planted in pots indoors from March or April.
• Maintenance: Pinch out growing tips when the plant is 30cm tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Taller plants may require staking for support.
• Overwintering: As the tubers are half-hardy, they should be lifted and stored in a cool, dry, frost-free location over winter in colder regions. In mild areas, a deep mulch may suffice.