Dahlia ‘Tsuki-Yori-No-Shisha’ (often called “Messenger from the Moon”) is a stunning fimbriated dahlia featuring large, pure white, spiky blooms. Bred in Japan in 1953, its quilled petals twist and curl, giving it a whimsical, feathery appearance. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall and blooms from mid-summer until frost. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Plant Details & Growing Requirements
- Flower Type: Cactus / Fimbriata
- Flower Size: Large blooms measuring 6 to 8 inches across
- Height: 36 to 48 inches (3-4 feet)
- Spread: 18 to 24 inches
- Sunlight: Full sun is best (6-8 hours daily)
- Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained, and consistently moist soil
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 8-10. In colder zones (3-7), the tubers (bulbs) must be dug up in the fall and stored indoors over the winter. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Planting Tips
- When to Plant: Plant the tubers in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
- Planting Depth: Place tubers horizontally about 1 to 2 inches deep in the soil.
- Spacing: Space the plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation.
- Staking: Because they grow quite tall and produce large blooms, the plants may require staking for support against strong winds.
- Maintenance: Pinching off the top center shoot early in the season encourages bushier growth, and deadheading spent blooms will promote continuous flowering. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
