Dahlia Pink Allegro - flower bulbs and perennial plants from Holland

A beautiful dahlia from the Melody range you will love! It belongs to the group of ornamental dahlias. Very recently introduced in 2009. Originator: Verwer, Gebr. (Netherlands). Distinguished from other dahlias by its compact size and abundance of bright colours and long-lasting blooms. It flowers early compared to other varieties. It will liven up your garden, patio or terrace in a short period. A great new variety with large, dark pink flowers!

Interestingly, Dahlia is the national flower of Mexico and was named after Dr Andrew Dahl, a Swedish botanist. Dahlia (Dahlia) belongs to the Compositae family. It was first introduced to Europe from Mexico and planted at the Botanical Gardens of Madrid. From there it spread all over Europe. Both Great Britain and Holland have been largely responsible for breeding thousands of cultivars. Interestingly, dahlia 'bulbs' are actually tubers, and are very similar to peony roots - kind of like a pile of carrots.

The basket-shaped inflorescences are large, fully macerated, almost round. They 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 towards the stem. This makes the inflorescence unusually lush. The tubular flowers are unsightly. The colour of the flowers is bicoloured. The petals are deep pink at the edges and creamy in the centre. The leaves are a deep green. The bright flowers contrast spectacularly against the background of the foliage. The bush is compact, upright and branchy. Stems are sturdy and densely pubescent. The plant starts to flower in early summer and produces a profusion of flowers until frost. It will be about 60 cm tall.

Melody Pink Allegro requires a sunny location. Fertile soil with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction is preferred. Good drainage is a must. 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. Removing the flowers that have blossomed prolongs flowering. Flowers do not suffer from rain. This variety is particularly good as a cutter as it will last a long time in bouquets.

Dahlias are heat-loving plants. They can withstand temperature drops as low as -5°C frost. Therefore, dig out the tubers for the winter and store them in slightly damp peat, in a dark and cool place. After the first frost, cut the leaves and flowers, remove the stems at a height of 10-20 cm above the ground. At that time, the tubers should be dug up. It is best to use a fork for this purpose so as not to damage them. Keep the tubers in slightly moist peat and in a dark and cool place. Remember that dahlias should not be dug up too early because they accumulate nutrients in their thickened roots. These substances are essential for good storage and better growth in the spring. Removing the flowering blossoms prolongs flowering. For a better growth, the main shoot should be pruned three weeks after planting. Like all dahlias, this plant blooms non-stop from July to October.