The Garden Guy had the opportunity to trial the Virtuoso dahlias last year and I started off muttering, "This shouldn’t take long." The thought of a hot Georgia summer and dahlias sounded like a horticultural train wreck. But when the first Virtuoso Pinkerific bloom opened, I thought "OMG, I am a dahlia grower!"

Sometime in July I was head over heels with the Pinkerific, Dayglo Yellow Classy Carmine and Vibrant Violet and I wrote about them in this column.

Even though I was in love with Virtuoso dahlias in July, I still expected death and destruction. What I wasn’t expecting were incredible blooms in October.

Before I could declare victory, James Winter was sending me photos from Kim Mixon’s house in Phenix City, Alabama. He was getting ready to transition to cool season flowers and was going to pull blooming dahlias

November blooms were not the last surprise however, as neighbors Dave and his bride Cynthia were caught doing the spring happy dance with the return of Pinkerific and Classy Carmine from the winter. These were grown in pots outside without any kind of protection. The Virtuoso Pinkerfic dahlia was paired with Augusta Lavender heliotrope, which also had returned from the winter. The lavender blue and luscious pink were just perfect

I posted a photo on my Facebook page and quickly heard from Kathy Thomas, who lives about an hour northwest of Atlanta. She had seen my post from last year and placed the Virtuoso Pinkerific on her must-have list. But she chose Luscious Pink Berry Blend lantana for the combination, and it was simply perfect.

Since I wrote that column a year ago, Virtuoso Red Raz has been added to the group. I loved my combinations of Classy Carmine dahlia with Stardiva Blue scaevola and the yellow Supertunia Saffron Finch petunia.

I combined Virtuoso Vibrant violet dahlia with Stardiva Pink scaevola and Superbells Blackcurrant Punch calibrachoa. The one thing we all did that was similar was plant in boxes, concrete planters or large bowls. They were also planted in an area that receives afternoon shade protection. I am expecting that beds with average fertile well drained soil will do equally well.

The plants will reach up to 18 inches tall and wide, so plan on spacing 15 to 18 inches apart. Those who are growing in containers will most likely need water daily, especially in the South. This means nutrients will leach out rather quickly. It will be a good idea to feed dilute water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks.

Those growing in beds will also need fertilizer, but with controlled release granules. This will be done per your formula or brand recommendations. This is usually done at planting and midsummer.

Virtuoso dahlias are sold as transplants versus tubers for cut flower growers or competition. Virtuoso dahlias make excellent cut flowers. Even if you don’t cut for indoor enjoyment, make it a practice to deadhead to increase your blooms,

The Virtuoso dahlias are making their debut this year with five colors, Pinkerific, Classy Carmine, Vibrant Violet, Dayglo Yellow and Red Rzz. They are sold as transplants, so it is easy-peasy.

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(Norman Winter, horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy.)

(NOTE TO EDITORS: Norman Winter receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.)

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