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
'Jennifer Mary Ellen'
Since its introduction in 2021, Dahlia 'Jennifer Mary Ellen' has fast become a firm favourite for its sumptuous, showy flowers and sultry dark bronze foliage. Its double, waterlily-form flowers are rich plum red with deep purple undersides and centres, giving them an intense, two-tone look. To see the dark and alluring Dahlia 'Jennifer Mary Ellen' truly pop, mix it with brighter colours from a similarly strong, jewel-like palette. Think vivid oranges and reds such as the pompom Dahlia 'Cornel Brons' and the single Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff', with the brilliant purple of Verbena bonariensis thrown in for a striking contrast. Not a pastel in sight!
Plant Dahlia 'Jennifer Mary Ellen' in groups of five or more for greatest visual impact. Dahlias are half-hardy and in most UK winters will need some form of protection from the cold and wet. Many gardeners lift and store the tubers in a frost-free environment, while others prefer to leave them in the ground with a thick layer of insulating mulch.
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 'Jennifer Mary Ellen'
- Flower colour
- Purple, red
- Bulb size
- 1
- Established height
- 1-1.2m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 bulbs 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
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