Dahlias are half hardy, so keep them protected from frost. Pot tubers individually between February and April and grow them on in a greenhouse or bright indoor position. Alternatively, start them outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
'Edith Jones'
A little collar of pale pink petals gives Dahlia 'Edith Jones' an elegance quite unlike the fuller forms of most dahlias. Its broad outer petals open in rich rose-pink, with deeper raspberry-red shading running through their centres and softer pink towards the edges. Inside, a second ring of shorter, delicately shaped petals surrounds a golden-yellow disc, creating the wonderfully intricate appearance characteristic of collarette dahlias. The contrast between the two layers is particularly lovely, giving each flower a sense of depth without making it look heavy. Reaching around 10–15cm across, the blooms are carried on tall, slender stems above fresh green foliage. Dahlia 'Edith Jones' brings a graceful, almost old-fashioned character to summer borders, with flowers that look as though they belong in a painting of a country garden.
The generous stems of Dahlia 'Edith Jones' are particularly useful for cutting, bringing their distinctive two-tiered flowers into loose, naturally gathered bouquets. In the garden, try pairing them with lavender-blue salvias, pale pink cosmos and the delicate movement of ornamental grasses. Bees can also visit the open flower centres, adding another reason to enjoy this variety. Give Dahlia 'Edith Jones' a sunny, sheltered position in fertile, well-drained soil, with sturdy support for its vigorous, upright growth. Water during dry spells and remove spent blooms to encourage fresh flowers throughout summer and autumn. Start tubers under cover in spring or plant outside once frost has passed, lifting them for frost-free storage in colder UK gardens. With Dahlia 'Edith Jones', the smallest details make the most memorable impression.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
For planting out later, use a snug-fitting 15–20cm pot filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. For a patio display, plant directly into a container at least 30cm wide and keep it somewhere bright and frost free until it can move outdoors.
Position the old stem facing upwards, with the tubers covered and the stem stump level with the compost. Tubers naturally vary in size and shape and may arrive without visible buds. Bent necks are usually fine if they remain firmly attached, so do not remove them.
Water after planting, then allow the compost to become almost dry before watering again while the tuber remains dormant. Once shoots and leaves are growing strongly, water more regularly, always allowing excess water to drain away.
Plant out after the last frost, once the plant is around 20–30cm tall and its roots hold the compost together. Space dahlias approximately 30–50cm apart in borders, allowing less room for compact varieties. Water thoroughly after planting.
Water regularly during active growth and deadhead or cut flowers often. Dahlias usually bloom from July or August until the first frost, although later-planted tubers may start in late August or September. In autumn, lift, clean and dry the tubers, then store them somewhere cool, dry, airy and frost free.
- Botanical name
- Dahlia 'Edith Jones'
- Flower colour
- Red, pink
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower Gardens
Wildlife gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.