Dahlia 'Genova'

Genova Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata ‘Genova’) is admired for its fully double flowers in a delicate rosy lavender shade, bringing a soft, romantic touch to summer landscapes. Its perfectly formed petals create elegant, full blooms that are beautifully complemented by finely divided, dark green foliage. From July until the first frost, this variety produces an abundance of harmonious flowers. Reaching approximately 80 to 100 cm (32 to 40 in) tall, it provides impressive garden presence without overwhelming surrounding plants. Not hardy in Canada, this tuberous perennial is typically grown as an annual, although its tuber can be lifted and stored indoors over winter.

Plant the tuber in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed, approximately 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) deep. Choose a location in full sun, preferably sheltered from strong winds, in rich, loose, humus-rich, well-drained soil, spacing plants 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) apart. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist without allowing it to become waterlogged. Apply a fertilizer high in potassium every two to three weeks throughout the growing season. Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous bud production. In autumn, lift the tuber before hard frost and store it in a cool, dry, frost-free location until spring.

Genova Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata ‘Genova’) is an excellent choice for romantic borders, colourful garden beds, large containers, and cut flower gardens. Its soft rosy lavender blooms pair beautifully with baby's breath, cosmos, salvias, pastel-coloured perennials, and ornamental grasses to create elegant, graceful plantings. The flowers have outstanding vase life and are especially prized for refined, romantic bouquets. When fully open, they also attract bees, butterflies, and many other pollinating insects. Petals harvested from untreated plants may also be used to decorate selected desserts and pastries.