Le Castel Dahlia Tubers

Le Castel: Waterlily Dahlia Tubers

Pure perfection... that's Le Castel. It has the most delicate, pure white flowers, some with a hint of pink, which only increases its allure. We think that Le Castel is the best white waterlily dahlia there is.
Browse our other Waterlily Dahlias or our full range of Dahlias here.

The blooms, which look a bit like huge gardenias, are 10-15 cm in diameter and are held on attractive long, dark stems above a background of deep green, divided foliage. The plant grows to a height of about 1.2 metres.

It makes an excellent cut flower and looks great in everything from simple white arrangements to brighter affairs. Perfect in bridal bouquets and wedding arrangements.

Features

• Colour: Pure white with the faintest hint of pink
• Foliage: Dark green - divided leaves
• Flower Size: 10 - 15 cm diameter
• Type: Waterlily Dahlia
• Cutting: Yes
• Height/Spread: 1.2m x 60cm
• Flowering: July to November
• Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit
• Outdoor Planting Months: March to July

Growing Le Castel Dahlias

All dahlias do best in deep rich soil with good drainage in a sunny spot. If it is windy they will need staking. They are greedy, thirsty plants so will need watering in dry spells, and they will always flower that little bit better if there is a bit of soluble food in the watering can once every couple of weeks.

It is generally more convenient to put support stakes in at planting time, rather than leaving it until there is foliage in the way.

Planting Companions for Le Castel

In the garden, use them in the middle or towards the back of mixed borders. Its white flowers will stand out, especially when light levels are low and in the evening. Like almost all white flowers, it will go with just about anything but because some blooms can have a hint of pink we recommend looking at companion plants which sit in that part of the spectrum. It also looks fab growing with taller grasses.

Did You Know?

An French variety, introduced in 1971 by the breeder Laurent. It is a popular choice for competitions.

If you ignore seed, Dahlias can be planted at three stages: as tubers, rooted cuttings and pot-grown plants.

Tubers can be planted at any time from March onwards. The hole should be at least double the diameter of the tuber laid out on the ground. Incorporate about 25% well rotted compost and if drainage is in any way doubtful then add plenty of horticultural grit as well. Plant one tuber per hole, leaving 60-80 cms between plants (depending on final size) and make sure the tuber is covered with 10-12 cms (4-5") of soil. This is important as it will insulate the tuber against frosts in March-May as they will take a couple of months to show.

Rooted cuttings, which are available from early April onwards, will need to be potted up and kept in a sunny and frost free place until they are ready to be planted out in mid May. Their treatment then is the same as for tubers except they are planted level with rather than 10 cms below the surrounding soil level.

Pot grown plants are not delivered until June, and are then planted out immediately in the same way as an established rooted cutting.

The more you deadhead, the more flowers you'll get.