Dahlia - Novation Pink Bicolour

Dahlia 'Pink Bicolour' is a stunning basket stuffer that brings eye-catching charm to any container garden with its distinctive two-toned pink blooms. This compact dahlia variety features beautiful bicolored flowers with deep pink centers gradually fading to lighter pink edges, creating a dynamic visual effect that stands out in hanging baskets and planters. Perfect for adding vertical interest and vibrant color, these dahlias bloom prolifically from mid-summer until frost, making them ideal for long-lasting seasonal displays. Their manageable size and continuous flowering habit make them excellent companion plants for mixed container arrangements.

Key Features:

- Produces striking bicolored pink blooms that create dramatic focal points in container gardens and hanging baskets.

- Maintains a compact, bushy growth habit ideal for containers, reaching 12-16 inches in height.

- Flowers continuously from summer through fall, providing months of colorful garden interest.

- Creates excellent vertical structure in hanging baskets when paired with trailing companion plants.

- Attracts beneficial pollinators including bees and butterflies to your garden space.

- Offers excellent value with long-lasting blooms that can be cut for small flower arrangements.

Plant Care Instructions:

1. Light Requirements:

- Thrives in full sun conditions.

- Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.

- Can tolerate light afternoon shade in extremely hot climates.

2. Watering:

- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

- Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

- Increase watering frequency during hot weather, especially for basket plantings.

3. Soil Type:

- Prefers rich, well-draining soil with high organic content.

- Add compost or aged manure to improve soil structure.

- Maintains best growth in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

4. Temperature & Hardiness Zone:

- Hardy to Zone 3b when grown as a summer annual.

- Optimal growing temperature range is 65-75°F (18-24°C).

- Protect from frost as dahlias are tender and will not survive freezing temperatures.

5. Fertilizer:

- Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10).

- Switch to a lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus fertilizer (5-10-10) when buds begin forming.

- Reduce fertilizing in late summer to early fall.

6. Pruning & Maintenance:

- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.

- Pinch young plants when they reach 6 inches tall to promote bushier growth.

- Remove any damaged or diseased foliage promptly to maintain plant health.

7. Special Notes:

- Dahlia tubers are toxic to pets if ingested.

- In Zone 3b, dig up tubers after first frost and store in a cool, dry place for winter.

- Watch for pests such as aphids and spider mites, especially in hot, dry conditions.