Barbarossa

Barbarossa Dahlias grow best in well-draining soil, otherwise they'll rot. Barbarossa should be planted in an area with full sun exposure and consistent moisture. Fertilize the plants regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, and deadhead the blooms to encourage continued blooming.

Space the plants about 18 to 24 inches apart, and provide sturdy supports for their tall stems. Be mindful of pests and diseases, and practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of infections. Cut the plants back after the first frost and store the tubers in a cool, dry place over winter. With proper care, Barbarossa Dahlias will thrive and provide an abundance of beautiful blooms throughout the growing season.

Dahlias are absolutely not hardy, but they are sun lovers and they thrive in warmer climates. So if you live in an area with a warm climate, such as USDA zone 8 or higher, you can leave them in the ground over winter.

But if you live in an area with a colder climate, you must dig your Barbarossa dahlia tubers up before the first frost signs and store them indoors. If you do leave them in the ground during the winter, the cold can ruin or even destroy the dahlia tubers because they are not frost resistant at all.

To keep Barbarossa dahlias blooming, there are a few tips to follow:
• Ensure proper sun exposure. Dahlias thrive in the sun and they need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom.
• Deadhead regularly: remove dead or wilted flowers. This is to encourage the plant so it can focus its energy on producing new blooms.
• Fertilize regularly: provide the plants with regular doses of fertilizer, especially during the growing season.
• Provide adequate water: keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, and more often during hot, dry weather. They don’t like to have wet feet.
• Cut back the plant in fall: after the first hard frost, cut back the plant to the ground and remove all the foliage. This will encourage healthy new growth in the spring.

The answer is yes, Barbarossa Dahlias are perennials, which means that they will come back year after year, but only if they are cared for properly.

That being said, Barbarossa dahlias are not hardy. If you live in an area with a colder climate (below USDA zone 7) you must dig up the tubers in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place over the winter. This is to ensure survival. In the spring, when all signs of frost are gone, you can replant the tubers. Making sure to water them regularly and provide them with plenty of sunlight.

If you follow these simple steps, your Barbarossa Dahlias will bloom beautifully every year.