Dahlia Monet

Tired of pots of petunias along the edge of your balcony or porch? This year, choose short-stemmed border geraniums. Not only are they spectacular, they are also long-lasting bloomers (a joy to look at throughout the summer and fall. The 'Monet' variety is a branched, compact variety that blooms for several months, producing dozens of creamy white flowers with lilac trim in the flower centres and on each petal. This is a low-growing variety from the Gallery series. It belongs to the group of Ornamental Dahlias (other sources call it the Gallery group). It was released in 1999. Originator: Verwer, Gebr. (Netherlands).

The fully floral corsels reach up to 10-15 cm in diameter. They consist of lingual and tubular flowers. The reed flowers (petals) are flat, slightly twisted and bent back toward the stem. This makes the inflorescence unusually lush. The tubular flowers are unsightly. The leaves are dark green in colour. Their shape is oval. The bright flowers contrast spectacularly against the background of the foliage. The bush is short, upright and branched, with sturdy, densely pubescent stems. The plant starts to flower in early summer and produces a profusion of flowers until frost. The plant is 30-60 cm high and about 30 cm wide.

Gallery Monet is ideal for growing in flowerbeds, borders and containers. It requires a sunny location. Fertile soils with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction are preferred. Germinated tubers should be planted outdoors in May after the threat of a return frost has passed. The shrubs do not need to be tied. The removal of the fading flowers prolongs flowering. Flowers will not droop in the rain. This variety is particularly good as a cutter as it lasts a long time in bouquets. Dahlias are heat-loving plants. They can withstand temperatures down to -5 °C frost. For this reason, dig out the tubers for the winter and store them in slightly damp peat, in a dark and cool place. Flowering period: June to October. Planting density: 3-4 plants per square metre.