Description Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ is a stunning variety known for its striking, large flowers with pink outer petals and a creamy white collar of shorter inner petals. The beautiful blooms sit amongst dark green foliage and can reach a height of 90cm with a spread of 60cm. This hardy dahlia flowers from midsummer until the first frost, making it a fantastic addition to any garden, border, or container. It thrives in full sun and is perfect for creating vibrant displays in your outdoor space. The sturdy, upright stems ensure it remains strong throughout the growing season. PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE Best Planting Time Spring: The ideal time to plant Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ is in spring when the soil has warmed up. This allows the roots to establish before the blooming season and results in strong, healthy plants. Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant in early autumn. This will help the plant settle in before winter dormancy, encouraging better growth in the following spring. Site Selection Sunlight: Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ thrives in full sun. Ensure that the planting area receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and vibrant blooms. Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Dahlias. This dahlia does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is necessary to prevent root rot. Incorporate organic matter like compost into the soil to improve drainage and soil fertility. Planting Instructions Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’. This gives the roots enough space to spread out and grow comfortably. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or other organic material into the soil to enhance its fertility and drainage. Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ flourishes in nutrient-rich soil, promoting vigorous growth and abundant flowers. Planting: Place the root ball into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole, firming the soil to eliminate any air pockets. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure that the area drains well to prevent standing water. Watering Requirements Growing Season: Once established, Dahlia is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Be sure not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering. Only water if the soil becomes very dry, as it requires minimal moisture during this period. Feeding Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to your Dahlia to give it a strong start to the growing season. This will support healthy growth and vibrant flowers. Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will help encourage continued flowering and ensure the plant maintains its vigour throughout the blooming season. Pruning Deadheading: Regularly deadhead Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ by removing spent flowers. This helps prolong the blooming period, keeps the plant tidy, and encourages new flower production. Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded in autumn, cut back the plant to ground level. This prepares it for winter dormancy and promotes healthier growth in the next season. Mulching Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ in spring. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like bark chips or compost are ideal for mulching. Winter: In winter, adding mulch around the plant helps protect the roots from cold temperatures and prevents frost heaving, ensuring that your Dahlia survives through to the next growing season. Supporting the Plant Staking: Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ has sturdy, upright stems, but if you live in a particularly windy area, staking may be necessary to prevent damage. Final Tips Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ is a low-maintenance plant that will add beauty to any garden. By planting it in full sun with well-drained soil and following this care routine, your Dahlia will reward you with stunning blooms from midsummer to the first frost. This versatile variety works well in containers or borders, making it a great addition to any garden space. Enjoy the vibrant, pink and creamy blooms of Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ all season long! See more Dahlia from Proctors RHS Details
