If you’re looking to add bursts of vibrant color and elegance to your residential landscaping, dahlias are an excellent choice. These stunning flowers can provide beautiful blooms for several months if tended to properly. Learn about the some of the reasons we have a new appreciation for dahlias, then get a few tips on how and where to plant them.
- Dahlias are known for their long blooming season, which lasts from midsummer until the first frost. In DuPage County, where summers are warm and the growing season extends into the fall, dahlias provide beautiful continuous color when other perennials begin to fade.
- The range of sizes and colors is amazing. Think about everything from soft pastels like pinks and purples to bold reds, purples, and oranges. The size of the blooms can range from tiny pompons to large, dinner-plate-sized flowers, allowing you to create a varied and customized garden aesthetic.
- They are pollinator friendly. Dahlias attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Dahlias make excellent cut flowers. Bring their natural color and beauty indoors to display, along with coneflowers or other perennials. Cutting can encourage your plants to produce more side-shoots and tubers, which means even more blooms.
Now that you know why dahlias are a stunning and sensible choice when it comes to beautifying your landscaping, check out these simple tips on how to keep them healthy
How to Grow Dahlias in DuPage County, Illinois
Growing dahlias in Illinois is relatively easy if you follow a few basic care guidelines that apply to our Midwest climate.
- Choose the right location. Dahlias thrive in full sun, so pick a spot in your yard that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. They also prefer well-drained soil, so avoid areas prone to water pooling.
- Prepare the soil. Dahlias do best in rich, loamy soil. Before planting, mix in compost or organic matter to improve soil quality. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raising your flower beds or adding sand for better drainage.
- Plant at the right time. You should plant dahlia tubers after the last frost, typically in mid-to-late May. Plant them about 4-6 inches deep with the “eye” facing upward. Space larger varieties 2-3 feet apart and smaller ones about a foot apart.
- Take care to water and fertilize dahlias properly. Dahlias need regular watering but dislike soggy roots. Water deeply 2-3 times per week, especially during dry spells. A low-nitrogen fertilizer (like 5-10-10) applied every few weeks will encourage healthy blooms.
- Be sure to stake larger plants and deadhead regularly for bigger blooms. Larger dahlias require staking to keep heavy blooms from drooping. Use bamboo stakes or tomato cages for support. Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
- Know how to overwinter dahlias. Since dahlias are not winter hardy in Illinois, you’ll need to dig up the tubers after the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place for replanting next spring.
How to Incorporate Dahlias into Your Landscape Design
Dahlias work beautifully in many landscape settings. If you are looking for inspiration, these ideas can help you decide where to plant dahlias in your yard.
- Create a colorful border by lining pathways or garden beds with low-growing dahlia varieties for bursts of color.
- Add dahlias to mixed flower beds. You can combine dahlias with perennials like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, or ornamental grasses for curb appeal.
- Design a focal point by using taller dahlias as a striking centerpiece in your yard or in large container gardens on patios.
Our experience has shown us that dahlias can be a fantastic way to elevate your residential landscaping in DuPage County, Illinois. With proper care, these vibrant flowers will reward you with months of stunning blooms, enhancing the beauty and charm of your outdoor living space.
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