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Gardening

Dahlias and michaelmas daisies

(5 Posts)
Luckygirl Sat 25-Nov-17 13:25:42

I plan to try and persuade the new dahlia I planted to survive the winter with compost/leaf chippings over it. Do I cut it back first?

I have some small michaelmas daisies that I planted this year and they have been fine - bloomed well. I thought they might die back in the winter - but they look as if they have actually died! Is this how they look when they die back?

shysal Sat 25-Nov-17 14:36:38

Yes, I would cut back the Dahlia, hope it survives. Michaelmas daisies will die right back and can be cut down to ground level. They will send up fresh leaves next year.
Both these plants give late colour, I wouldn't be without them.

Luckygirl Sat 25-Nov-17 14:38:49

Ah.....so maybe they are not dead! Thanks for your help - I am just off out into the garden while the sun is still shining!

hildajenniJ Sat 25-Nov-17 15:29:19

Here's a link to how to over winter dahlia tubers www.saga.co.uk/magazine/home-garden/gardening/advice-tips/winter-garden/how-to-store-dahlias-in-winter

M0nica Sat 25-Nov-17 22:28:12

The only year my dahlias died was the year that I did as the gardening books recommended; dug them up, dried them out and kept them in an airy place in a shed.

I just leave them in and put a good layer of mulch on top and sometimes a layer of fleece when the weather is really cold.