Description

Dahlia Hootenanny Swan Island is grown for lively colour contrast and constant movement in the border. The collarette flower form gives a single outer ring of petals with a shorter inner collar, finishing on an open yellow centre that is easy for bees and hoverflies to access. Colour typically sits in saturated magenta to warm red tones with a lighter collar and a darker eye effect that makes the bloom read strongly even in mixed planting. This variety works well as a punctuation plant through borders where you want an energetic colour pop as well as near patios, vegetable plots, or a dedicated wildlife border so you get colour and insect interest together. It mixes well with grasses and other pollinator plants like anemone, convallaria and nerine for a long season pollinator run. Plant after frost risk has passed in full sun and free draining soil improved with compost. Feed from bud stage, deadhead regularly, and lift tubers after the first frosts.