Dahlia ‘Avignon’

Dahlia ‘Avignon’ is an exceptional dahlia variety, offering a stunning display of variegated blooms and a strong presence in the garden. Whether featured in garden beds, used in floral arrangements, or enjoyed as part of a container garden, ‘Avignon’ brings a sense of sophistication and beauty to its surroundings. Its adaptability and stunning visual appeal make it a sought-after choice for gardeners and floral designers alike, adding a touch of dramatic elegance wherever it grows.

Dahlia ‘Avignon’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Avignon’ is a striking variety within the dahlia family, revered for its exquisite patterning and coloration. It belongs to the decorative dahlia category and is also classified as a dinnerplate dahlia due to its impressively large flowers.

Native: Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America. This cultivar results from extensive breeding and does not occur naturally in the wild.

Plant Type and Habit: This dahlia is a tuberous-rooted perennial with a bushy, upright growth habit. It is characterized by its vigorous growth and sturdy stems, making it a robust and visually appealing addition to any garden.

Size: It generally reaches about 36-48 inches in height (90-120 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions.

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Avignon’ are the main attraction. They feature white petals, artfully streaked with deep purple and red. Each petal is long, pointed, and elegantly rolled at the edges, creating a distinct spiky effect that adds dramatic flair and texture to the bloom, further enhancing its captivating visual appeal. The blooms are large, up to 9 inches (22 cm), making a significant statement in any garden or floral arrangement.

Bloom Time: Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost it provides long-lasting color in the garden.

Foliage: The foliage is typical of dahlias, with dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the bright flowers.

Uses: Dahlia ‘Avignon’ is highly adaptable for various uses. It’s perfect for adding a splash of color and drama to garden beds, borders, and large containers. Its striking blooms make it a popular choice for floral arrangements, bringing a touch of elegance and vibrancy to any bouquet or indoor display.

Hardiness: Dahlias are hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder zones, tubers need to be lifted and stored over winter.

Toxicity: Dahlias are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Their ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other health issues in pets and livestock.

Wildlife: While visually stunning, the complex petal structure of this dahlia makes it more difficult for pollinators to access the nectar and pollen. It is less effective in attracting pollinators than single-flowered or open-centered dahlia types.

Deer and Rabbit: Dahlias are somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits but may still be vulnerable to browsing.

Invasiveness: Not invasive; dahlias grow from tubers and do not spread aggressively.

Dahlia Growing Tips

Light: Dahlias love the sun, so choose a location with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil: Dahlias prefer well-drained, loamy soil. They don’t tolerate water-logged conditions, so if your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

Planting Time: Dahlias are usually planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Planting Depth: Dahlia tubers should be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, with the “eye” (the small bump from where the stem will grow) facing upward.

Watering: Dahlias like consistent moisture. Water them deeply a couple of times a week, more often if your area is experiencing a drought. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing: Dahlias respond well to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush, leafy growth and fewer flowers.

Deadheading: Regularly removing the spent flowers (deadheading) will keep your dahlias producing more blooms.

Overwintering: In colder climates (zones 7 and below), you’ll need to dig up and store the tubers indoors over the winter.

Pests and Diseases: Dahlias are generally relatively disease and pest-resistant, but there are a few common issues to watch out such as aphids, botrytis blight, earwigs, powdery mildew, slugs and snails, spider mites, and thrips.