Dahlia – Mystic™ Illusion
Mystic Illusion is an absolute rock star in the landscape. Its lemon yellow blooms pop against the dark foliage, creating quite a show even when viewed from a distance. The plants are quite resistant to powdery mildew, making them easier for you to manage. Standing 18-36” tall, they also make fantastic thrillers in combination containers.
Fine Gardening Magazine Trial Garden Recommendation.
The Man behind the Mystic
Dr. Keith Hammett is New Zealand's leading professional breeder of ornamental plants. He originally studied botany at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom and followed with a PhD in plant pathology. Despite a scientific background and long research history, he sees the creation of ornamental plants as an art form comparable to other areas of aesthetic activity.
Dr. Hammett's dahlias have won top awards at the Royal Horticultural Society's trials and were featrued in the Chelsea Flower Show. His dahlias are renowned for their bright, vibrant flowers with dark central discs, and dark bronze to black foliage. His work represents a change in breeding direction for dahlias, which occurred when Dr. Hammett bred with species of dahlia not previoiusly used. Dr. Hammett was recently awarded the Reginald Cory Cup by RHS for his pioneering work with dahlias.
Features
Mystic Illusion is an absolute rock star in the landscape. Its lemon yellow blooms pop against the dark foliage, creating quite a show even when viewed from a distance. The plants are quite resistant to powdery mildew, making them easier for you to manage. Standing 18-36” tall, they also make fantastic thrillers in combination containers.
Fine Gardening Magazine Trial Garden Recommendation.
The Man behind the Mystic
Dr. Keith Hammett is New Zealand's leading professional breeder of ornamental plants. He originally studied botany at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom and followed with a PhD in plant pathology. Despite a scientific background and long research history, he sees the creation of ornamental plants as an art form comparable to other areas of aesthetic activity.
Dr. Hammett's dahlias have won top awards at the Royal Horticultural Society's trials and were featrued in the Chelsea Flower Show. His dahlias are renowned for their bright, vibrant flowers with dark central discs, and dark bronze to black foliage. His work represents a change in breeding direction for dahlias, which occurred when Dr. Hammett bred with species of dahlia not previoiusly used. Dr. Hammett was recently awarded the Reginald Cory Cup by RHS for his pioneering work with dahlias.
Attracts: Butterflies
Award Winner
Heat Tolerant
Maintenance Notes
Dahlias form tubers and these tubers can be stored for replanting in the spring. To dig and store tubers follow these directions. First, allow frost to kill the top of the plant then cut back the stems and dig the tubers. Wash off any soil and then allow the tubers to dry. Wrap dry tubers in newspapers or pack them in peat moss. Label each tuber or group of tubers so you know what they are come spring. Store tubers in a dark, cool (35 to 45 F) place. Do not allow tubers to freeze. Deadheading will encourage additional blooming.
Uses Notes
Use in mixed combinations, landscapes and beds
Maintenance Category Moderate
Water Category Average
Bloom Time
Flower Form Container, Landscape
Soil Fertility Average Soil
pH B - pH 5.8 - 6.2
EC (2:1 Extraction Method) 0.8 - 1.2
Fertilization 150 - 200
Light Requirements High
Water Requirements Moderate to Moist, Moist to Wet
Rooting Out Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit
Growing On Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit
Holding Temperature 50 - 60° Fahrenheit
Planting and Timing Information
Early Spring through Fall Finish. Standard PPP.
Finishing Times [weeks]
4-5" and Quart Pot : 5-6
6" and Gallon Pot : 6-8
7-9" Pot : 8-10
10-12" and Two Gallon Pot : 10-12
Pinching and Growth Regulators
Pinch one week after liner planting. Small pots may not require any pinching. Second pinch recommended for 8" and larger. B-9 will help control growth if needed.
Pest and Disease Management
General pest and disease practices as listed in notes. Watch for thrips, white flies and aphids. Powdery Mildew can be problematic, treat as needed.
Grower Tips
Dahlias are long day plants. Provide long days or night interruption lighting to induce blooming if finishing before the first of April.
