Anyone can say good or bad about Dahlia? How hardy is it in zone 6?

I dont know why I have never noticed this perennial shrub much before.





Can anyone tell me how long they usually bloom for, which colors they have,do they have them in evergreen, how much sun, soil, etc?





Looking for a nice short hedge type of flowering shrub that would bloom from late Spring till Frost, if possible that would do well in Zone 6.





Thanks for your answers!

Anyone can say good or bad about Dahlia? How hardy is it in zone 6?
I'm in zone 6 and Dahlias are flowers...not shrubs. They are not hardy here and in order to have them again the next year you would have to dig up the plant and over winter it in your garage or in the basement. They are awesome flowers tho and the blooms are probably unbeatable in size and color.





A long blooming shrub for zone 6 would be a variety of Spirea. Goldmound.....Little Princess....Gold Flame..there are many varieties to consider. The best part of these shrubs are you can prune them back and each time they will shower you with another spectacular array of blooms! They will require a bit of maintenance...but not an overwhelming amount.


Here is a link to look at some dahlias.....


http://www.dahlias.freeservers.com/p16.h...





and here is one for the spirea....


http://www.youcanlearnseries.com/Landsca...
Reply:The Dahlia I know is not a shrub, but a tuber plant that if not careful can rot in the winter months. They do come in many different colors and sizes.


As far as finding a shrub that flowers from spring till frost is going to be tough. One of the longest flowers shrubs that I know of is a plant I know of as an Abise Bush. I am not sure if that is the proper name. Talk to our local landscaper or nursery.
Reply:I am not sure where zone 6 is, maybe somewhere cold Stateside? Dahlias are super for whole range of colours and types,[ check google for info]. In Britain they need frost protection, and don't flower before summer. They like a rich soil and sunshine.

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