Dahlia Collarette 'Pooh Swan Island'

The Dahlia Collarette 'Pooh Swan Island' is an enchanting and cheerful dahlia variety, celebrated for its fiery hues, whimsical petal arrangement, and pollinator-friendly nature. As a collarette-type dahlia, it features a striking combination of broad outer petals and a delicate inner ring of smaller petals, resembling a floral sunburst that invites admiration from gardeners and flower lovers alike.

Zones: 3 - 11

Bloom Characteristics

A Mesmerizing Palette of Colors

• The outer ray petals are a bold and lively vermilion red with a golden-yellow base, giving the flower an intense, sunset-inspired appearance. The transition from deep red to golden hues creates a mesmerizing bi-color effect, making each bloom appear as if it's glowing.
• The inner collar petals are soft and delicate, arranged in a neat circular pattern around the flower’s heart. These petals contrast beautifully in creamy pale yellow, adding an elegant touch to the fiery backdrop.
• At the center of the bloom sits a bright golden-yellow disc, rich in pollen, making 'Pooh Swan Island' an irresistible attraction for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Shape & Size

• The flower is medium-sized, typically reaching 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) in diameter, making it a standout feature in borders, beds, and bouquets.
• The collarette form gives it an airy, delicate yet vibrant appeal, setting it apart from traditional dahlia varieties.
• Each bloom maintains a symmetrical, perfectly balanced structure, adding a sense of harmony to garden displays.

Growth & Foliage

• Height: 'Pooh Swan Island' grows to a manageable 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall, making it ideal for both small and large garden spaces.
• Foliage: The leaves are a deep, rich green with a slightly serrated edge, providing a lush backdrop that enhances the fiery brilliance of the blooms.
• Growth Habit: Compact yet vigorous, this variety branches out beautifully, producing multiple stems covered in blooms throughout the season.

Cultivation & Care

Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily) for the best flowering performance. More sunlight results in stronger stems, brighter colors, and a more prolific bloom cycle.

Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A loamy or sandy soil mix ensures healthy root development and continuous blooms.

Watering:

• Requires consistent moisture but avoids waterlogging, as overly wet conditions can cause tuber rot.
• A deep watering routine (about 2–3 times a week, depending on climate) helps maintain strong stems and lush foliage.

Fertilization:

• A low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (such as a bloom booster) encourages vibrant flowers and strong tubers.
• Feeding every 2–3 weeks during the growing season maximizes flowering potential.

Maintenance & Deadheading:

• Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) prolongs the blooming period and keeps the plant looking tidy.
• Though naturally sturdy, taller plants may benefit from light staking to prevent stems from bending under the weight of blooms.

Overwintering:

• In colder climates (zones 3-7), tubers should be lifted before the first frost, cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dark place until spring.
• In warmer regions (zones 8-11), tubers can be left in the ground with mulch protection.

Why Grow 'Pooh Swan Island'?

Pollinator Paradise: Bees and butterflies adore this variety, making it a great choice for eco-friendly gardens and wildlife habitats.

Long Blooming Season: From mid-summer to the first frost, 'Pooh Swan Island' offers months of fiery floral beauty.

Unique Collarette Form: The airy, layered petal structure adds a dynamic and whimsical element to any garden.

Versatile Beauty: Perfect for cut flower gardens, mixed borders, container displays, and cottage-style landscapes.

Joyful and Eye-Catching: With its bold colors and playful contrast, it brings an instant sense of energy, warmth, and happiness to any setting.

The Dahlia Collarette 'Pooh Swan Island' is more than just a flower—it’s a living burst of sunshine and color, filling gardens with vibrancy, life, and movement. Whether basking in the summer sun, attracting pollinators, or brightening up a bouquet, this dahlia’s fiery red and golden hues make it an unforgettable centerpiece in any floral display.

Wouldn't you love to see this dazzling beauty dancing in your garden?