Supporting a large dahlia

Late Summer

Supporting a Large Dahlia

The dahlia 'Black Jack' has done its job of hiding the shed well with its size and dark foliage, as has the Cobaea scandens which has grown up over the silver birch arch. Don't be disheartened if your Cobaea hasn't flowered until late summer or even autumn time.

Because of heavy rain, some of the dahlia stems have fallen sideways. If staked quickly the stems will straighten out and will flower later in the season. It's well worth keeping the stems staked and upright, but it is worth noting that these bigger varieties of dahlia can be more work because of the need to keep them well tied up.

The dahlia 'Molly Raven' has done really well in its pot, and has been great cutting for the vase. However, remember that these double flowers are not good for pollinators so you wouldn't necessarily want a garden full of them.

Verbena bonariensis is a perennial option for a warm and sunny garden that will self-seed around the place and be a magnet for bees and butterflies.

Plant Directory

• Dahlia 'Black Jack'
• Dahlia 'Molly Raven'
• Cobaea scandens
• Verbena bonariensis