Dahlia 'Zorro'

Dahlia 'Zorro' is a sensational "Dinner Plate" variety, famous for producing some of the largest blooms in the dahlia world, often exceeding 25cm in diameter. The flowers are a magnificent, deep oxblood red with velvety-textured petals that curve backwards towards the stem. This is a tall, impressive plant that can reach heights of 1.2 to 1.5 metres, requiring very sturdy support to hold the massive weight of its flowers, especially after a typical UK summer rain shower. It is a show-stopper in the back of a border and a favourite for exhibition. Due to its size and vigour, it is a hungry plant that requires plenty of organic matter in the soil and regular feeding with a high-potash fertiliser throughout the growing season. Tubers must be lifted and stored in a frost-free place over winter, usually in trays of dry sand or compost. It is best started into growth indoors in early April.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, heavy, well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.