Dahlia ‘Genova’

Dahlia 'Genova' is a dazzling addition to your garden, admired for its striking blooms and vibrant colours. This variety features large, fully double flowers in a captivating shade of deep magenta-pink. The blooms are generously sized, typically reaching up to 15 cm in diameter, making them a stunning focal point in mixed perennial garden beds and borders. Flowering from July to September, 'Genova' grows to a height of approximately 70 cm, making it a perfect choice for adding height and drama to mixed borders or as a standalone feature in decorative pots on patios. Its bold colour and impressive size make it an excellent companion for other Summer-flowering perennials, such as Echinacea, Salvia, and Verbena, creating a vibrant and eye-catching display. Our horticultural team has selected Dahlia 'Genova' for its outstanding performance and ease of care. It is a robust, resilient plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, ensuring reliable blooms throughout the Summer months. Additionally, 'Genova' is a fantastic choice for cut flowers, with its long-lasting blooms adding a touch of elegance to your indoor arrangements too. Dahlia 'Genova' also attracts pollinators in decline, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.

To plant your Dahlia, we recommend choosing a sunny spot in the garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-drained and enriched with compost or organic matter. Plant the Dahlia with spacing of 30-60 cm apart to allow for growth and air circulation. We advise the planting location is sheltered from strong winds to prevent damage. Water the Dahlia regularly to support its establishment, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

To water and feed your Dahlia, we recommend adding granular feed to the compost before planting. Once planted, water regularly to help establish the plant. Make sure to direct your watering can or hose to the base of the plant, ensuring the water soaks down to the roots. This deep watering helps promote strong root growth. Dahlias thrive with consistent moisture, so keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, consider using a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-4 weeks to encourage robust blooms.

If your Dahlia has large flowers you may need to put stakes in the ground, one per stem and tie the stems to the posts to support the weight of the flower. As the flowers fade, cut back the stems to a leaf joint, as this will encourage the plant to keep producing new buds. At the end of the season you can leave the Dahlia tuber in the ground if they are planted in a very free draining position and you live in a warmer part of the UK. You will need to cover it with at least 6 inches of mulch, for example bark chippings. You can also dig the tuber up, shake off the excess soil and place it in a dark, dry and cool place for the Winter. Surround it with dry material like sand and replant it in the ground once there is no risk of frost in the next Spring. Dahlias can be prone to aphids, slugs, and fungal diseases; regular monitoring and care are advised.