Plant Dahlia 'Purple Gem' early spring, and in midsummer to late fall, typically to first frost, it blooms in masses of 5-inch cactus-shaped fully double flowers with pointed and rolled petals in a shimmery shade of magenta purple. Borne on long, sturdy burgundy stems, the highly decorative blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden and make excellent cut flowers.
A Dahlia hybrid, commonly called dahlia, 'Purple Gem' is a clump-forming perennial with an upright habit. Dahlia is a great container and garden plant, nice in beds and the middle of the border. It makes a stunning specimen but is shown to best effect when planted in masses or groups of 5.
Dahlia grows best in sunny locations with fertile, humus-rich, well-draining soil, protected from strong winds. 'Purple Gem' is heat tolerant, but some light afternoon shade may be beneficial in hot summer climates. The plant tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils with a neutral, acidic, or alkaline pH. During the growing season, dahlia should be kept consistently moist and never allowed to dry out. Pinching out growing tips encourages a bushy plant. Deadheading spent flowers promotes additional blooms. Dahlia can be grown in Zones 3-7 if the bulb is lifted and stored during winter. This plant is not pet friendly.
