Dahlia The Phantom

Dahlia The Phantom
Wow what a dahlia, the Phantom is an Anemone flowered dahlia so has lots of small tube-like petals in the centre of the flower which have a pointed end. This creates a wild looking deep pink/purple centre with yellow specks surrounded by pale pink petals. An exceedingly unusual dahlia flower which will turn your neighbours head in admiration!

As with most dahlia plants it flowers freely if deadheaded regularly. Dahlia Smokey should be planted in sunny sheltered locations in free draining humus rich soils. Incorporating well-rotted manure or compost is beneficial. On heavier soils incorporate sand and/or grit and compost to aid drainage. Plant tubers outside from April onwards or for earlier flowers plant in pots in a greenhouse or conservatory in March. Protect fresh growth from late frosts.

Taller varieties may need extra support with canes and twine. Dahlia plants will flower from July right through to the first frosts. Dahlia tubers need frost protection during the winter. In warmer drier gardens it is possible to leave them in the ground otherwise lift the Dahlia tubers and store them somewhere dry and frost free.