Dahlia Purple Gem

Dahlia 'Purple Gem' is a magnificent and eye-catching dahlia with rich-purple, cactus-shaped blossoms, adorned with elongated petals. When the light hits the blooms, they shimmer, and it is bedazzling to behold. The flowers are quite spectacular, about 5 in. across (12 cm), and absolutely irresistible. They are borne atop long, sturdy, burgundy stems and are excellent for cutting. Blooming massively from July until frost, this dahlia grows up to 3 ft. tall (90 cm) and stands out in the garden and in bouquets.

• Best flowering occurs in full sun, but light shade will be welcomed in hot summer areas.
• Provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow soils to dry out. Plant in a sheltered location to protect your dahlias from strong winds.
• Best in groups of 5 for best visual effect. Deadhead spent flowers to promote the growth of additional flower buds.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• If you live in a cool area (hardiness zones 3-7) and you want to save your dahlia bulbs, or more precisely, your dahlia tubers for next spring, you may dig them up before the first frost and store them over winter before replanting them next spring. Store them in boxes, covered with moistened sand in a cool, dark, frost-free place where the temperature remains between 45-50 °F (7-10°C).
• This Dahlia is a member of the Cactus Dahlias which have the most exceptional blooms. The Dahlia flowers have beautiful ‘spiny’ petals that are rolled up more than two-thirds of their length. Sometimes, the petals are straight from the base to the tip, but they can also curve inward or outward. The petals are often narrow and pointed, and some have deeply incised tips. These are the ones known as spider dahlias, and they make real eye-catchers!