Tree Dahlia: Galaxy Prince (Bred by Apollo Farm)

I bred this tree dahlia as a attractive and reliable food source for bees from May to October. A vigorous grower with many flowers that is reliable and pest tolerant. 

Your are buying a two year old Galaxy Prince; a 30cm bare rooted clump with multiple tubers, roots and some soil. Typically weighing 3-4kg. This can be shipped. 

This is a fast growing tree dahlia that will do well in full sun or partial shade. Semi woody perennial with very fine dissected leaves and long thin erect and arching canes. Here in Waitakere, NZ Galaxy Prince flowers from May to June then again September to October with rich mauve single flowers with a cerise halo.

Grows 2.5m tall and 3-4m wide. Forms thin tubers/roots 2.5m long. Requires good drainage and regular watering and mulching over summer, especially during the first year. Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.  Very vigorous grower with many flowers. A great food source for bees in winter.

Plant in soil with excellent drainage or on a 30cm mound. Mulch with medium bark 8-10cm, and water deeply every two weeks in summer if there is no rain. 90% of the matter of a tree dahlia is water.

So, this hybrid benefits from regular watering and plenty of organic matter and humus in the soil. However, excessive nitrogen during the first six months of growth can cause root burn and produce thin weak stems. Remove leaves and the tops of stems. This will promote root growth and help establish the plant. Fresh new leaves will appear in about two weeks.

Fertilize with a seaweed solution or a balanced fertilizer once a month from March to June. Sulphur of potash should be applied in February to strengthen stems and increase the number and solidity of blooms later in the season.

With all tree dahlias it is best to cut stems to the ground in October when flowering has finished. A chainsaw or loppers is helpful. This is an opportunity to inspect general health of the tubers. Check for rot in central tubers and constricted or overlapping stems.

Be careful of frosts in spring especially if growing from seed. Tree dahlias are tender and do not tolerate frosts unless they are well established with extensive tubers and deep mulch as protection.

You are buying a 30x30cm, two year old tuber clump.

(J Hall, 2019, New Zealand)