2023 is the year I accept cactus and semi cactus dahlias into my heart. I'm so excited about Clearview Edie! I don't usually grow many SC or C varieties because I never liked them, but I have a good number this year and dang it, they're growing on me! I love how they look so different as they're opening - even a few hours later there is significant change in shape and appearance. But I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir. š
2023 is also the year of the dahlia plant for me. I have a ton of new-to-me varieties this season and I'm so much less impressed with a new coveted variety with a pretty face if the plant sucks. I'm finding that lot of my new ones have total garbage plants unfortunately.
This is my second year growing Caribbean Fantasy and nobody ever talks about it, I'm sure because NX dahlias - much less ones that vary so much bloom to bloom aren't everyone's cup of tea. Last year I marveled at the large number of interesting flowers each plant produced and this year I'm impressed by what a nice plant it is. Other varieties right next to it have some fungal and mite issues going on. Not Caribbean Fantasy. It's tall, it's vigorous, it's so healthy!
2nd pic is from last season-wanted to show some of the different CF flowers.
