Dahlia 'Joel's Favourite'

Joel's Favourite Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata ‘Joel's Favourite’) is an elegant tuberous perennial distinguished by its large, fully double magenta-pink flowers enriched with deep purple undertones and highlighted by a bright golden centre. Their rich colour contrasts beautifully with dense, vigorous dark green foliage. From July through October, this vigorous variety produces an abundance of blooms on sturdy plants reaching 90 to 110 cm (36 to 43 in) tall. Fast growing and highly floriferous, it brings vibrant colour, depth, and sophistication to summer landscapes. Not hardy in Canada, this Zone 10 variety should be overwintered in a frost-free location to preserve the tubers for the following season.

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, with rich, loose, humus-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Space plants 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) apart and water regularly without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Feed every two to three weeks with a fertilizer high in potassium while avoiding excessive nitrogen. Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous bud production. Lift the tubers before the first hard frost and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free location until spring.

Joel's Favourite Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata ‘Joel's Favourite’) is an excellent choice for colourful garden beds, flowering borders, large containers, and cutting gardens. Pair it with cosmos, salvias, Verbena bonariensis, and ornamental grasses to create elegant plantings where its rich magenta blooms become the focal point. The fully open flowers have outstanding vase life and are perfect for creating luxurious summer bouquets. They also attract bees, butterflies, and many other pollinating insects throughout the season. Regular harvesting and deadheading will encourage continuous flowering until the first frost.