On 21/12/2014 12:44, Bob Hobden wrote:
"David" wrote

Re posting with fresh links
Whilst we were away the tree dahlias were blasted by what looks like
frost and wind but still have flowers looking fresh
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/f...psc0624e6f.jpg

so hopes for Xmas day and poss. New years day?
It is strange but the D.Imperialis was badly hit by the weather
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps7316b6a8.jpg

But the D. Tenuicalis was not touched and it's in the same block of
planting, just a matter of feet away.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/f...psbe85990b.jpg

All pictures taken yesterday.

Hope this is easier to get into.

Chris do you have heat to root cuttings?


The Tree Dahlia, D.imperialis, that we got from Hill House turned to
black mush at the slightest frost such that we never saw it flower, buds
about to break yes, but then always a frost. Still a stunning plant
though and worth growing for it's architectural merits.
Perhaps D tenuicaulis is a touch more hardy or does it have a bit more
tree protection from the wind?


It's strange but almost all dahlia breeding is done for show, no one
seems to be breeding for hardiness, though even in ordinary garden
dahlias there are always one or two that seem to take a little more
frost than the rest.