Dahlia Shrub: Melanie

D. apiculata accessions X D. tenuicaulis accessions syn. Melanie

Bred by Dr Melanie Gatt, a genetics specialist at Auckland University. This was the genetics practicum component of her PhD 25 years ago. 

This tree dahlia is really a medium sized shrub growing 2m wide and 1.5m tall with long arching canes and fine pinnate lime green leaves. Semi woody perennial with a thin lax canes.

I love the fine foliage of this tree dahlia, the light brown canes and the light mauve flowers. So do the bees, moths and monarchs.

Hardy, fast growing and bred locally so it's tough. Thin and long tubers grow 1m plus in length. Divide every four or five years. Vigorous. Some shelter is appreciated. Can tolerate winds up to 30kmph. No known pest or disease issues. 

Very reliable with solid New Zealand genetics. Flowers March to June, then again  September to October, in Auckland. 

Prune in late Spring. Remove at least 40% of branches and remove any overlapping stems. When we prune we remove 55% of stems so that there is plenty of healthy new growth and increased ventilation in the center of the shrub. How severely you prune back is also a matter of aesthetics and choice as to the size you want to maintain the plant at. 

Shipping Terms and Conditions: 

You will be emailed a custom shipping rate for your order. Your order will be shipped once the custom shipping fee is paid. 

Tree dahlias are sold as tough and strong mature tuber clumps: averaging 30x50x40cm size & 6-10kg each. Usually shipped in a high Banana box. They are very large and bulky. We will email you a custom shipping quote for your address and quantity of Tree dahlias. Your order will be shipped once custom shipping has been paid for. (Expect to pay from $20 for Auckland Urban to $70 for South Island Rural, depending on Qty of course).