Moonlady Dahlia Tubers

Moonlady: Decorative Dahlia Tubers

Relatively new on the market, Moonlady is a real beauty with her pure yellow colours reflecting a harvest moon. She is classified as a decorative dahlia, although she looks very much like a waterlily with lovely, double blooms. The pure, clear yellow is softened by the paler colour of the outer petals - which only adds to the waterlily effect.

The 15 cm wide flowers are carried on tall, really sturdy stems up to 1.1m in a very upright fashion, complemented by dark green foliage. Her stout stems are a flower arranger's and exhibitor's dream. Very much one to try!
Browse our other Decorative Dahlias or our full range of Dahlias here.

Features

• Colour: Clear yellow petals paler at flower's outer edges
• Foliage: Dark green divided leaves
• Flower Size: 15cm
• Type: Decorative Dahlia
• Cutting: Yes
• Height/Spread: 1.1m x 60cm
• Flowering: July to November
• Outdoor Planting Months: March to July

Growing Moonlady Dahlias

She will do well in a container of 10 litres or more.

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 Moonlady

Moon Lady has such a beautiful flower that while she can be used in mixed borders, you want to be a little careful not to lose the colour and structure if there's a lot going on. Try her with more subtle plants such as tall grasses as a backdrop.

Did You Know?

A Dutch variety from 2002.

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.