New And Recent Introductions To The Dahlia Scene
A composite article from several growers whose opinions may or may not be of benefit to others.

W. B. Robertson, Eaglesham.
Claire Diane - This Primrose sport will no doubt join the line up of Diane bankers. It is promoted as a “cream” but this claim would risk prosecution under the Trades Description Act. It appears, however, to be the palest so far from the family. To what extent is a matter of debate. To me, there certainly seemed more colour differential between Primrose and its sport - than between Primrose and the original Ruskin. That may provide a certain colour guide. Top names suggest it should be grown one lateral less than the parent.

Sunlight Pastelle - Experts like Dave Reid have tipped this newcomer as potentially the best of the present Grenidor parade. I studied it carefully throughout the season. It confirmed that there is sometimes more to a sport than a mere colour change. Sunlight has great depth and dresses right back, something not always easily attained among other Pastelles. The floret‘s individual shape also seems to reflect light, causing a full bloom to radiate an attractive overall “sheen”. Or maybe my old eyes simply need new specs..

Rab Ritchie, Kettlebridge.
Trelyn Kiwi - White/Pink, this one did very well with me, so, if you grow Kiwi and Deborah’s well, this one will be as good.

Barbarry Bluebird - Purple, a lot of exhibitors advised me not to buy this one but I was impressed with it and it performed well. Anybody who exhibits miniatures should do well with this variety.

Apricot Beauty - Apricot, has a hard petal, so this variety would do well in the open. It has very good stems, it does not produce a lot of flowers.
Sylvia’s Desire - Salmon/Yellow, this one was very late to flower with me. It looks good and has more petal than Desire. I will grow more next year.

Doug. Semple, Glasgow.
Apart from miniatures, which you can read about elsewhere in this magazine I only tried two new varieties in 1997.
Cherwell Goldcrest - S.S.C. I saw this one at Harrogate in 1996 and felt that it could be a useful addition to the section. Early on in the season the plants did not look too clever but as the season progressed they produced some very good blooms. The colour is difficult to describe in that it is a sort of two tone yellow and pale orange. Form is good with plenty of depth. If you are not a dab hand with the Kiwi Gloria family this one might do for you. Certainly well worth another try in 1998.

Trelyn Kiwi - S.C. The third member of the Kiwi Gloria family and was advertised as being white. White it certainly is not. Colour could be described as a wishy-washy pink and white which is much the same as a lot of the Kiwi Glorias that are grown in Scotland. For those of you who can grow good Kiwi Gloria and Deborah’s Kiwi this will be a banker but for the rest of us it will not do.

Taratahi Lilac, the new sensation from New Zealand raiser John Frater. Seedling from Daleko Venus, raised 1989, top variety in N.Z. last year. Photo by Alan Fisher of the American Dahlia Society