Re: tree dahlia?

I've grown Dahlia imperialis in Sunset Zone 24 in well drained soil for 8 or 9 years.  It's in a spot protected from wind and is watered with a soaker hose for about 30 minutes once a week in the summer. The inner part of each section is full of water when I cut it back. It blooms in late December until sometime in February when I cut it back all the way to the ground.  It grows 10 to 15 feet tall in one season and I pull off the lower leaves as they die during the season.  It blooms when little else does and as it grows so fast it's fun to show others.  I give the sections away every spring and even non gardener friends have had success and enjoy growing it.  When the base gets too big I just dig it up and start over and have only done this once.  I like the old base as it looks a little like an elephant foot.
 
Janet Ter Veen
To: m*@ucdavis.edu
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 9:28 AM
Subject: tree dahlia?

I have been offered a tree dahlia from a friend's garden.  I've never grown them before so I looked them up and they appear to be rather thirsty plants but I may still give it a try.

Any words of experience or advice?

Nan



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