Dahlia 'Thomas A. Edison' (Formal Decorative)

Dahlia 'Thomas A. Edison': A Deep Purple Classic

Dahlia 'Thomas A. Edison' (also known as 'Thomas Edison' or 'Thomas Alva Edison') is a Formal Decorative dahlia introduced in 1929 by Maytrott. It produces large, 6-8 inch, fully double flowers of a rich, deep velvety purple, with perfectly arranged, broad, flat petals that reflex slightly at the tips. The plants are tall (4-5 feet), strong-stemmed, and floriferous.

Growing for Show and Garden

This cultivar is a favorite for exhibition due to its consistent form and intense color. In the garden, it provides dramatic vertical accents. Plant tubers in spring after frost, stake early, pinch for bushiness, and disbud for larger blooms. Fertilize regularly. Lift tubers in fall in zones 7 and colder. A magnificent heirloom.

Taxonomy

• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Dahlia
• Cultivar: 'Thomas A. Edison'
• Hybridizer: Maytrott, 1929