Dahlia Mystic Illusion

Description

Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ – dahlia

Botanical name: Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’
Common names: Dahlia
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Plant type: Tuberous perennial (half-hardy)
Habit: Upright, bushy
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 75–90cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Dark, near-black, deeply cut foliage; deciduous
Flowers: Single, soft primrose-yellow flowers with a dark central eye, from midsummer to the first frosts (July–October)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H3 (half-hardy; roughly −5 to 1°C); tubers need lifting or protecting over winter in cold gardens; USDA zones 8–10
Exposure: Warm, sheltered, sunny
Native range: Garden form; the genus is native to Mexico and Central America
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ is a striking dark-leaved dahlia with single soft yellow, dark-eyed flowers over near-black foliage, from midsummer to the frosts. Elegant, long-flowering and superb for bees.

GardenAdvice notes

A superb, long-flowering perennial for hot, late colour, this dahlia is grown for its dark, near-black foliage and its glowing, open-centred flowers, which bloom generously from midsummer until the first frosts. Its single to semi-double, open flowers are far better for bees than the big pompom types, making it a wonderful, pollinator-friendly choice as well as a striking one. It grows from a tuber and is a little tender, so needs some winter care in cold gardens.

Growing & planting

Plant out in late spring, after the last frost, in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, in a warm, sheltered spot. Improve the soil with compost, and stake taller plants. Space about 45–60cm apart. Water and feed well through summer for the best flowering. Watch for slugs on young growth.

Care & maintenance

Deadhead regularly to keep it flowering right up to the frosts. Feed and water generously in summer. In cold gardens, after the first frost blackens the foliage, either lift the tubers, dry and store them frost-free over winter, or in milder areas leave them in place under a deep, dry winter mulch. Protect emerging shoots from slugs in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Divide the tubers in spring, ensuring each piece has a growth bud.
• Cuttings: Take basal cuttings from sprouting tubers in spring.

Pests & diseases

Slugs and snails are the main enemy, especially of young growth; earwigs and aphids can also occur. In cold, wet soil the tubers may rot over winter if not lifted or well-protected. Otherwise easy and rewarding.

Uses in the garden

Superb in hot-coloured, mixed and cottage borders and in containers, where its dark foliage and glowing open flowers bring bold, long-lasting late colour; excellent for cutting and, being open-centred, wonderful for bees.

Wildlife value

Unlike the densely double dahlias, these open-centred flowers are excellent for pollinators, giving bees and other insects easy access to nectar and pollen over a long late season.

Toxicity & safety

Dahlia is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Mystic Illusion’ is a beautiful, more refined dark-leaved dahlia — single, soft primrose-yellow flowers with a dark eye, glowing against near-black foliage, and flowering for months. The single, open flowers are excellent for bees. Deadhead through the season to keep it blooming, and in a cold garden lift the tubers or protect them with a deep winter mulch.

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