Dahlia Fireball

Dahlia Fireball 'Baldenire' – Anemone Dahlia

An anemone-flowered dahlia in coral red, each bloom about 10 cm across and built around a raised pincushion centre of short yellow florets. The plant is compact and self-supporting at 40 to 50 cm, with dark green foliage, and it flowers from late spring through to the first frosts without staking or disbudding. Individual flowers last about two weeks.

Give it full sun to part shade, fertile free-draining soil and steady water through summer. Deadhead regularly to keep it producing; a light feed every few weeks extends the season. In cool districts the tubers can be lifted after the foliage dies down, or left in place under a thick mulch where drainage is good. It is compact enough for a large pot, and the long stems are good for cutting.

Registered as 'Baldenire' and sold variously as Dalaya Fireball and Dalina Fireball. It originated in a breeding program in the Netherlands.

• Mature height: 40–50 cm
• Mature width: 30–40 cm
• Light needs: Full sun to part shade
• Fragrance: Nil