Group/Class:  Mystic Series

Brand:  Proven Winners

Description:

This standout variety will produce luminous yellow flowers with deep red centers from early summer until mid-fall; blooms may show a pale peach blush; high contrasting foliage is deep purple-black; a perfect addition to borders or containers

Ornamental Features

Mystic Illusion Dahlia features showy yellow daisy flowers with dark red eyes and peach streaks at the ends of the stems from late spring to mid fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its pointy leaves remain deep purple in color with showy black variegation throughout the season. The dark red stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

Landscape Attributes

Mystic Illusion Dahlia is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Mystic Illusion Dahlia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Mystic Illusion Dahlia will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Mystic Illusion Dahlia is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.