Dahlia 'Ambition'
dahlia tuber
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Flower colour: rich plum
- Other features: excellent cut-flowers
- Hardiness: half hardy (may need winter protection)
This stunning cactus dahlia is a prolific bloomer, which produces masses of magenta-purple flowers, each up to 15 cm across, for a long period from midsummer. When in flower it will grab centre stage with its jaw-dropping display. It is particularly effective amongst other bruised-toned, summer flowers, or when potted up on a sunny patio. - Garden care: Dahlia tubers can be planted outside after frost, or started off in pots under glass in late winter to early spring. Plant them horizontally approximately 12cm deep, making sure the ‘eyes’ are uppermost. Allow enough room between each tuber so the plants can grow and spread to their full size without being over-crowded. While in growth, provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September. Stake with canes or brushwood if it becomes necessary. In mild areas, leave them in situ over winter, but protect the crown with a generous layer of dry mulch. In colder areas, carefully lift and clean the tubers once the first frosts have blackened the foliage and allow them to dry naturally indoors. Then place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite and store in a frost-free place until planting out again.
Campanula lactiflora 'Pritchard's Variety'
milky bellflower
Masses of bell-like lilac flowers
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Anemone × hybrida 'September Charm'
Japanese anemone
Reliable rosy-pink flowers
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis'
Western mugwort
Decorative, silvery foliage
£7.99
2 litre pot
available to order from summer 2013
Eryngium yuccifolium
button eryngo
Distinctive strap-shaped foliage
£8.99
2 litre pot
available to order from summer 2013
Cottage garden
The traditional cottage garden was an intensive, yet carefree mixture of fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers all crowded into a tiny space. Today, this informal charm can be recreated using modern varieties that largely take care of themselves around an...
Read full articleGet more flowers
Deadheading will prevent them setting seed and so use their energy producing a further flush of blooms later on. Plants that respond well to deadheading include annuals such as Ageratum, Alyssum, Antirrhinum, Calendula, Centaurea, Cosmos, Dahlia, foxglove, Californian poppy, sweet...
Read full article