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.
Out of season
Dahlia
'Ferncliff Illusion'
Create an unmissable display of big blooms at an impressive height of up to 1.5m with Dahlia 'Ferncliff Illusion'—you won’t be able to believe your eyes! It’s not only big but beautiful too: a vision of loveliness in bright white, the petals delicately brushed with lilac at the tips. It flaunts high-impact, petal packed flowers which measure up to 20cm across. Broad, flat, neatly pointed petals have a habit of curving and twisting slightly, giving it a full, luxurious and also relaxed look. Towering above most other dahlias, the mighty Dahlia 'Ferncliff Illusion' will be a shining beacon in the garden, especially when the sunlight hits those crisp, white petals.
Despite its size, Dahlia 'Ferncliff Illusion' doesn’t dominate but just creates another tier of interest to your planting scheme. It’s also highly prized among floral designers, who value the elegance of its blooms as well as the strong, sturdy stems the plant produces. As a garden plant it is sizeable so it works well in a mixed border among other dahlias, perennials or tall foliage plants like cannas. For maximum impact, plant more than one at intervals around the garden to create rhythmic planting, a technique often used by garden designers. Shining on with very long flowering period through summer months and into autumn, Dahlia 'Ferncliff Illusion' is a valuable asset to any garden.
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 'Ferncliff Illusion'
- Flower colour
- White, violet, pink
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 1-1.5m
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- 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 - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Top-size tubers
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