Dahlia ‘Fascination’

Dahlia ‘Fascination’ stands out as a unique variety in the world of dahlias. Its combination of simple, elegant blooms and dramatic, dark foliage offers a visually stunning contrast. Its adaptability in garden settings and floral arrangements, along with its ease of growth, make it a valuable addition to any garden or floral design. Whether used for its aesthetic appeal, its striking foliage, or its natural charm, ‘Fascination’ continues to captivate gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. This dahlia is featured in our top 40 must-see dahlia flowers.

Dahlia ‘Fascination’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Fascination’ is a stunning example of peony-flowered dahlias, known for their semi-double blooms with multiple rows of petals around a central disc. ‘Fascination’ is particularly admired for its vibrant purple-pink flowers and striking dark foliage, offering a dramatic visual contrast.

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.

Size: It generally reaches about 36 inches in height (90 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions. This moderate size makes it suitable for various garden settings, including smaller spaces.

Flowers: The semi-double flowers of ‘Fascination’ are its standout feature. They display a beautiful purple-pink hue, with each petal gracefully surrounding a vivid yellow central disc. The blooms are rather large in size, usually 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. Their simple yet elegant form offers a fresh and natural aesthetic.

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

Foliage: One of the most distinctive features of ‘Fascination’ is its foliage. The leaves are a deep, almost purple-black color, providing a dramatic backdrop for the lighter-colored flowers. This contrast between the dark foliage and the blooms adds to the plant’s overall visual appeal and is a significant factor in its popularity.

Uses: Dahlia Fascination’ is versatile in its application. Its striking color contrast and simple flower form make it a favorite for contemporary garden designs and naturalistic plantings. In floral arrangements, its blooms add a touch of elegance and a natural, wildflower-like charm. Additionally, its compact size and striking foliage make it a suitable choice for container gardening.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

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: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

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.