Ludwig Helfert Dahlia Tubers

Ludwig Helfert Dahlias: Semi-Cactus Dahlia Tubers

A stunning plant for a variety of garden uses, the semi-cactus Ludwig Helfert Dahlia produces huge blooms of orange, progressively turning deeper towards the centre with a bright green heart. The spiky flowers can reach a whopping 20cm across, held on stout stems above dark green, pinnate leaves. However, the petals are the stars of Ludwig Helfert, fully double and pointed, turning backwards to create a tubular effect, highlighted by centres of tangerine. There's a hint of bronze too, to make this the perfect autumn colour combination. As with most dahlias, it is an excellent cut flower, and also popular as an exhibition variety, so if you fancy a go at the late summer flower show, this apricotty orange gem could be your route to success.

Browse our other Cactus Dahlias or our full range of Dahlias here.

Features

• Colour: Red with yellow tips on petals
• Foliage: Green
• Flower Size: 25cm
• Type: Cactus Dahlia
• Cutting: Yes
• Height/Spread: From 1.2m x 75cm
• Flowering: July to November
• Outdoor Planting Months: March to July

Growing Ludwig Helfert Dahlias Dahlias

All dahlias do best in deep rich soil with good drainage in a sunny spot. If it is windy they will need staking. They are greedy, thirsty plants so will need watering in dry spells, and they will always flower that little bit better if there is a bit of soluble food in the watering can once every couple of weeks.

It is generally more convenient to put support stakes in at planting time, rather than leaving it until there is foliage in the way.

Planting Companions for Ludwig Helfert

He really stands out in a mixed border, especially surrounded by exotics, succulents and deeply coloured architectural plants.

If you ignore seed, Dahlias can be planted at three stages: as tubers, rooted cuttings and pot-grown plants.

Tubers can be planted at any time from March onwards. The hole should be at least double the diameter of the tuber laid out on the ground. Incorporate about 25% well rotted compost and if drainage is in any way doubtful then add plenty of horticultural grit as well. Plant one tuber per hole, leaving 60-80 cms between plants (depending on final size) and make sure the tuber is covered with 10-12 cms (4-5") of soil. This is important as it will insulate the tuber against frosts in March-May as they will take a couple of months to show.

Rooted cuttings, which are available from early April onwards, will need to be potted up and kept in a sunny and frost free place until they are ready to be planted out in mid May. Their treatment then is the same as for tubers except they are planted level with rather than 10 cms below the surrounding soil level.

Pot grown plants are not delivered until June, and are then planted out immediately in the same way as an established rooted cutting.

The more you deadhead, the more flowers you'll get.

Did You Know?

A Dutch variety from 1978. One of our team has nicknamed this plant Loo Dig Hell Fart, and laughs every time they say it. This has been going on for years, and shows no sign of losing its comedic value.