Dahlia imperialis (Bell Tree Dahlia)

250 (350)cm, Bell Tree Dahlia is only for its size one of the showiest species in the genus. Dahlia imperialis is a fast growing herbaceous perennial species native of mountaineous regions from southern Mexico to northern Colombia. It makes annual tall shoots from a strong tuberous rootstock, and terminal lose clusters of large intense rose flowers from late autumn to early spring. Easily grown in any rich, well drained soil in a sunny to partially shaded spot. With a good winter protection (e.g. a thick dry mulch layer) the rootstock is reliably winterhardy. However due to its late flowering season it is best grown in a cool wintergarden or greenhouse under frostfree conditions. Seeds are from a motherstock originally collected near Puerto Caté, Chiapas province, Mexico at some 1650m. Flowers in this population are more open and of a richer rose color in comparison to the usually more closed, bell-shaped and pale rose flowers of plants available in the garden trade. VI-VIII.
20 seeds per package.