Photo: Mark Twyning / Marktee1 at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Bulb or tuber
Dahlia merckii: when and how to prune
Dahlia merckii is best pruned in November.
| Pruning months | November |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Dahlia merckii: when to prune it?
In November, once the first night frost has blackened the foliage.
What else to prune in those months? November
Dahlia merckii: how to prune it?
- Cut all frosted stems back to 10–15 cm above the ground.
- Cover the stump with a thick layer of mulch so rainwater cannot run down the hollow stems to the tuber.
- During the season: cut off faded flowers down to a pair of leaves.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: November.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Dahlia merckii flowers in July–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
Caution: Do not cut before the first frost: the foliage feeds the tubers until it dies back.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Dahlia merckii · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.