Dahlia Ferncliff Illusion

Dahlia ‘Ferncliff Illusion’ is a real beauty, bringing a fresh, elegant look to the summer garden. The blooms are a vision of loveliness in bright white, with the petals delicately brushed with lilac at the tips, creating a softly shaded, almost glowing effect. It’s the perfect dahlia for adding lightness to borders, lifting pastel planting schemes, and pairing with deeper purples and blues for contrast.

Flowering from midsummer right through to the first frosts, ‘Ferncliff Illusion’ is also a wonderful cut flower—those crisp white blooms with lilac tips look absolutely stunning in arrangements. Keep deadheading (or pick regularly) and it will reward you with months of flowers

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Dahlia tubers in spring. For the earliest flowers, start tubers in pots indoors from March to April, then plant out once the risk of frost has passed. If planting directly outside, wait until late spring when the soil has warmed.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. Dahlias are ideal for mixed borders, cutting gardens and patio containers. They love warmth and perform best in full sun.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant tubers about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) deep, with the old stem (or growing point) facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space plants 60–75 cm (24–30 inches) apart, as large-flowered varieties need room and airflow.
• Soil Prep: Enrich the planting area with well-rotted compost or manure. In heavy soil, improve drainage with grit.

Watering:
Water after planting. Once shoots appear and growth is underway, keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry spells. Avoid waterlogging. Container-grown Dahlias may need watering daily in hot weather.

Aftercare Tips:

• Pinch out the growing tip once plants are around 30 cm tall to encourage bushier growth and more stems.
• Stake plants early, as big blooms can make stems top-heavy in wind and rain.
• Deadhead regularly (or cut for the vase) to keep plants flowering until autumn.
• After the first frost blackens the foliage, lift tubers and store dry and frost-free over winter, or protect in the ground with a thick mulch in milder areas.

Top Tip:
For the best cutting stems, harvest blooms early in the morning when they are just fully open—‘Ferncliff Illusion’ will last beautifully in a vase.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

July - October (until first frosts)

Height:
36–48" (90–120cm) (approx. depending on conditions)

Position:
Full sun

Tender Perennial:
Overwinter tubers frost-free in the UK