David Howard Dahlia: Bronze Foliage & Orange Blooms

David Howard Dahlia, a striking cultivar, stands out in any garden with its bronze foliage that provides a dramatic backdrop. The vibrant orange petals of David Howard Dahlia exhibit a beautiful contrast against the dark leaves that captures attention. Gardeners, who appreciate the dahlia’s medium size, often use this plant in mixed borders and containers. Dahlia ‘David Howard’ is an excellent choice because of its characteristics for those seeking a visually appealing and relatively easy-to-grow flower.

Discover the Allure of the ‘David Howard’ Dahlia

Have you ever stumbled upon a flower that just stops you in your tracks? One that makes you think, “Wow, I need that in my garden!”? Well, let me introduce you to the ‘David Howard’ Dahlia – a plant that’s basically the rock star of the dahlia world.

First, a quick shout-out to the Dahlia genus as a whole. These flowers are like the chameleons of the garden, coming in almost every color and shape imaginable. They’re super popular, and for good reason: they bring the party to any garden!

Now, let’s zoom in on our star: the ‘David Howard’. This isn’t just any dahlia; it’s a showstopper. What makes it so special? It’s all about the contrast. Imagine this: rich, bronze/copper foliage that looks amazing on its own, but then BAM! vibrant orange/apricot flowers burst forth, creating a visual explosion that’s both sophisticated and totally eye-catching. This cultivar stands out in a crowd.

The ‘David Howard’ is a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts not just for its looks, but also for its reliable performance and relatively easy-going nature. It’s the kind of plant that makes you look like a gardening genius, even if you’re just starting out. Stick around, and I’ll tell you everything you need to know to make this beauty thrive in your own backyard!

Unveiling the Characteristics of ‘David Howard’ Dahlia

Alright, let’s get up close and personal with the star of the show: the ‘David Howard’ Dahlia! This isn’t just another pretty face in the garden; it’s a whole vibe. We’re going to dig into what makes this dahlia so special, from its snazzy foliage to its show-stopping blooms and everything in between. Think of it as getting to know the inside scoop on your next garden obsession!

Foliage: A Bronze Masterpiece

Forget boring green leaves! The foliage of the ‘David Howard’ is like a piece of art. It’s a beautiful bronze/copper color, offering a dramatic contrast to those vibrant flowers.

• Picture this: the leaves have a slightly coarse, almost leathery texture, which gives them a unique feel. The color isn’t uniform either; you’ll see different shades of bronze and copper, sometimes with hints of burgundy or even a bit of green depending on the light and the time of year. Speaking of which, as the season progresses, you might notice the bronze becoming more pronounced, adding another layer of interest to your garden display.

Flowers: Apricot Radiance

Okay, now for the main event – the flowers! These aren’t your shy, retiring blooms; they’re ready to party!

• ‘David Howard’ boasts gorgeous orange/apricot flowers that are simply radiant. They are classified as “Decorative” Dahlias, which means they have fully double blooms with broad, flat petals that are arranged in a somewhat irregular fashion. The blooms themselves can be quite substantial, often reaching 4-6 inches in diameter, making them a real focal point.
• Bloom time typically spans from mid-summer all the way through the first frost, so you get a long season of cheerful color.

Size and Structure: Planning Your Garden Space

Before you rush out and buy a dozen ‘David Howard’ Dahlias (tempting, I know!), let’s talk about size.

• These dahlias typically reach a height of around 3-4 feet and spread about 2 feet wide. This makes them a great choice for the middle or back of a border, or even as a standout in a large container.
• Knowing their mature size will help you plan their placement in your garden, ensuring they have enough room to strut their stuff without crowding out their neighbors. Plus, with a bit of planning, you can create stunning visual combinations with other plants that complement their fiery hues.

Cultivating Your ‘David Howard’ Dahlia: Essential Growing Needs

So, you’re ready to welcome a ‘David Howard’ Dahlia into your garden? Awesome! But before you just plop it in the ground and hope for the best, let’s talk about what this beauty really needs to thrive. Think of it like setting up the perfect dating profile for your dahlia – you want to attract the best conditions, right? Let’s dig in (pun intended!) and get your ‘David Howard’ set up for success.

Environmental Needs: Sun and Climate

• Sunlight Requirements: Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good sunbathe? ‘David Howard’ is no different! These dahlias are sun worshippers and they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day to really show off their apricot radiance. Without enough sun, you’ll end up with leggy plants and fewer blooms – and nobody wants that. So, scout out the sunniest spot in your garden; it’s dahlia-time!
• Hardiness Zones: Now, for the not-so-fun part: climate check. ‘David Howard’ Dahlias generally thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. If you live in these zones, congrats, you’re golden! If not, don’t despair! You can still grow them, but you’ll need to treat them as annuals or take the extra step of digging up the tubers in the fall and overwintering them indoors (more on that later). Check your local hardiness zone!

Soil Preparation: The Foundation for Growth

• Soil Type: Imagine building a house on a shaky foundation – not ideal, right? The same goes for your dahlia’s soil. ‘David Howard’ loves well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Think loamy soil that crumbles in your hand, not heavy clay that turns into cement. The pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.2 to 6.8. Before planting, amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to give your dahlia a nutritious head start.

Watering and Feeding: Nurturing Your Dahlia

• Watering: Too much or too little water can be a recipe for disaster. Dahlias like consistently moist soil, but they hate sitting in soggy conditions. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plant.
• Fertilizing: To really get those blooms popping, ‘David Howard’ needs a little boost. Start with a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) when planting. Once the plant starts to bud, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium (like a 5-10-10) to promote flower production. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, but stop fertilizing in late summer to allow the tubers to mature.

Mastering Essential Growing Practices for ‘David Howard’

Okay, you’ve got your ‘David Howard’ dahlia, and it’s looking good, right? But you want amazing. You want the kind of blooms that make the neighbors whisper in awe (or maybe just ask what your secret is). Well, here’s the deal: it’s not just about sun and water. It’s about a little TLC, a little know-how, and a few secret gardening techniques that will transform your dahlia from pretty to absolutely breathtaking.

Pinching and Deadheading: Encouraging Blooms

• Pinching: Think of pinching as giving your ‘David Howard’ a little pep talk – a gentle nudge to reach its full potential. When your dahlia is young (about 12 inches tall and has several sets of leaves), go ahead and pinch off the center shoot just above a leaf node. Why? Because this forces the plant to send out side shoots, resulting in a bushier plant loaded with more spots for those gorgeous apricot blooms. Do this early in the season, and you’ll be swimming in dahlias later.

• Deadheading: Now, this is the easiest job ever. See those flowers that are starting to fade? Snip ’em off! Deadheading is basically telling the plant, “Hey, good job on that bloom, now let’s get some new ones going!” Cut the spent flower stem back to the nearest set of leaves or a lateral bud. This not only keeps your plant looking tidy but also prevents it from wasting energy on seed production, encouraging it to produce even more flowers. Think of it as recycling but for plants!

Staking and Support: Preventing Damage

‘David Howard’ dahlias, with their glorious blooms, can sometimes be divas. They get heavy, especially after a good rain. And a broken stem is a sad sight, indeed.

• Staking: Here’s where staking comes to the rescue. Insert stakes early in the season, when the plant is still relatively small, to avoid damaging the roots later. Use sturdy stakes (bamboo, metal, or wood will do) and gently tie the stems to the stake with soft twine or plant ties. Make sure the ties aren’t too tight, allowing the plant room to grow. Position the stake on the windward side to offer the most support. This will keep your dahlia upright and prevent those beautiful blooms from flopping over or, worse, snapping off. Think of it as giving your dahlia a backbone—a stylish, gardening-approved backbone!

Overwintering: Protecting Your Investment

Okay, let’s talk about winter. The ‘David Howard’ dahlia is a bit of a wimp when it comes to freezing temperatures. If you live in a region with harsh winters, you’ll need to dig up those tubers and protect them.

• Overwintering:
  • Digging: After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut the stems back to about 4-6 inches. Carefully dig up the tubers, being gentle to avoid damaging them.
  • Cleaning: Gently remove as much soil as possible from the tubers. Let them dry for a few days in a cool, dry place.
  • Storing: Pack the tubers in a box or crate with peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry place where the temperature stays between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Check on them periodically throughout the winter to ensure they aren’t rotting or drying out too much. If they seem dry, lightly mist them with water.
  • Replanting: In the spring, after the danger of frost has passed, you can replant your ‘David Howard’ dahlia tubers and get ready for another season of stunning blooms.

So, there you have it! Pinch, deadhead, stake, and overwinter like a pro, and your ‘David Howard’ dahlias will reward you with a show-stopping display that will have everyone talking. Happy gardening!

Troubleshooting: Keeping Your ‘David Howard’ Dahlia Happy and Healthy

Let’s face it, even the most gorgeous of garden dwellers can have their off days, right? Our beloved ‘David Howard’ Dahlia is no exception. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, unwelcome guests or nasty diseases might try to crash the party. But don’t worry! We’re here to equip you with the knowledge to be your dahlia’s superhero. Consider this your ‘David Howard’ First Aid Kit’.

Pests and Diseases: Spotting the Villains and Saving the Day

It’s time to play detective! Knowing what to look for is half the battle. Let’s investigate some common culprits:

Pesky Pests: Unwanted Guests at the Dahlia Diner

• Aphids: These tiny sap-suckers are like the uninvited guests who raid the fridge, leaving a sticky mess behind. Look for clusters of small green, black, or brown insects on new growth and under leaves. A strong blast of water from your garden hose can dislodge them, or you can try insecticidal soap for a more stubborn infestation. Ladybugs are your friends here – they love to snack on aphids.
• Slugs and Snails: These slimy marauders are like the nighttime ninjas of the garden, munching on leaves and flowers while you sleep. You’ll notice irregular holes in the foliage, and sometimes, a telltale slime trail. Try setting out beer traps (they’re strangely attracted to beer!), using copper tape around your plants, or applying slug bait (use caution if you have pets or children). Early morning patrols can help you catch them in the act!
• Spider Mites: These tiny critters are hard to see with the naked eye, but they can cause a lot of damage. Look for fine webbing on your dahlia and mottled, yellowing leaves. A strong spray of water can help, or you can use miticidal soap.

Diseases: When Things Get a Little Under the Weather

• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease looks like someone sprinkled baby powder on your dahlia’s leaves. It thrives in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Improve air circulation by spacing your plants properly and prune away affected leaves. You can also try using a fungicide specifically formulated for powdery mildew.
• Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold): This fungal disease can cause brown spots on flowers and stems, and in severe cases, it can lead to rot. Remove any infected plant parts immediately and improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering, as this can create a moist environment that encourages the disease.
• Viral Diseases: Unfortunately, viral diseases are difficult to treat. Symptoms can include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted flowers. If you suspect your dahlia has a viral disease, it’s best to remove and destroy the plant to prevent it from spreading to other plants.

Remember: Prevention is always better than cure! Keeping your ‘David Howard’ Dahlia healthy with proper watering, fertilizing, and good air circulation will go a long way in preventing pest and disease problems. And don’t be afraid to ask for help from your local garden center if you’re unsure about anything.

So, there you have it! The David Howard dahlia is a showstopper that brings a touch of drama and vintage charm to any garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this dahlia is sure to turn heads and spark conversations. Happy gardening!