Description
Bring a touch of romance and soft texture to your summer garden with Dahlia ‘Alyshia’. This “Anemone-flowered” variety is truly unique, featuring a central “powder puff” of dense, tubular florets surrounded by a delicate ring of flat outer petals. The color is an exquisite, pale pastel pink that adds a dreamy, ethereal feel to garden borders and floral arrangements.
Key Features for Malta:
Unique Flower Form: The anemone-shaped blooms offer a sophisticated alternative to traditional dahlias, looking almost like an exotic pincushion.
Pollinator Friendly: Unlike heavy double dahlias, the semi-open center of ‘Alyshia’ is more accessible to bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to a Maltese wildlife garden.
Dreamy Pastel Palette: The soft pink hue is perfect for creating a “cottage garden” look and pairs beautifully with whites, lavenders, and silvers.
Strong & Reliable: Despite its delicate appearance, this variety is a sturdy grower that produces a wealth of blooms from early summer until the first signs of winter.
Expert Tips for Growing ‘Alyshia’ in Malta: To maintain those delicate pastel blooms:
Light Shade: In the intense Maltese sun, pastel flowers can sometimes fade. Planting ‘Alyshia’ in a spot that receives morning sun but has light shade during the scorching afternoon hours will keep the pink color looking fresh.
Staking: Because it produces many medium-sized flowers, a small support or stake is recommended to prevent the stems from bending during a summer storm or heavy wind.
Fertilizing: Feed every 2 weeks with a high-potash liquid fertilizer (like tomato feed) once the first buds appear to encourage a continuous “powder puff” display.
Air Circulation: Space your plants well to ensure good airflow; this is especially important in Malta’s humid coastal areas to prevent powdery mildew.
Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during the dry July and August months, ensuring the soil remains moist but never soggy.
Color: Soft Pastel Pink.
Bloom Time: July – October.
Height: Approx. 80 – 100 cm.
Season: Summer Bloomer.
Other Names: Dahlia Alyshia, Anemone-Flowered Dahlia Alyshia, Powder Puff Dahlia, Soft Pink Anemone Dahlia
