Preference Dahlia Tubers

Preference Dahlias

If traditional flowers for the cutting garden are your thing, then you can't go wrong with Dahlia Preference. It's a heritage semi-cactus variety in the softest shades of apricot and pale pink, with a hint of orange in its darker centres.

The long, elegant petals pale to cream, making a classic bloom that goes so well with many other styles of dahlias. Browse our full Dahlia range.

Great In Your Garden

Preference has been a cutting garden favourite for generations, and it's easy to see why. Its soft colours and architectural flower shape contrasts so well with deep red, purple and burgundy or yellow dahlias, especially in pompom, ball or decorative types.

It's a prolific flowerer and has the added benefit of standing up well to wet weather, as its 10-15cm bloom, while still being impressive, aren't top heavy. However, it's still wise to plant Preference in a sheltered location to protect flowers from strong winds. A favourite of flower arrangers not just for its colours or shape, it also has a longer vase life than most other dahlias.

As quite an upright dahlia, you can pack more plants into your beds - plant at least five together for the best effect. They will also grow in large pots in a location sheltered from excessive winds.

Features

• Colour: Apricot-pink with a hint of orange at the centres and petals fading to cream
• Foliage: Green divided leaves
• Flower Size: 10-15cm
• Type: Semi-cactus Dahlia
• Cutting: Yes
• Height/Spread: 1.2m x 50cm
• Flowering: July to November
• Planting Months: End February to July

Did You Know...

Preference is a real heritage dahlia, introduced in Holland in 1911 - generations of gardeners have given it their seal of approval, and it has stood the test of time, despite countless newer introductions.

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.