Perennials – Dahlia

Botanical name: dahlia pinnata

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 5 ft in height and 1 ft in width

Bloom time: summer, fall

Hardy zone: zones 7-11

Flower color: pink/white/red/yellow/orange/purple

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: grows about 40 new flowers per season

Pruning instructions: deadhead and remove dead or damage foliage as needed

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: mass planting, borders, container plant

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day

Special features: attracts pollinators

Watering instructions: allow only the first couple inches of soil to dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use 5-10-15 within the first month of planting, and repeat once more about one month later

Best time to plant: spring

Best type of soil: adapts to all kinds of soil

Companion plants: cosmos, zinnia, lavender

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and mildly toxic for pets

Invasive species: no