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Troubleshooting

Dahlia 'Hollyhill Black Beauty' problems — and how to fix them

Dahlia 'Hollyhill Black Beauty' (Dahlia 'Hollyhill Black Beauty') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.

Petal scorch and fading

The very dark petals absorb heat and can scorch or bleach in intense sun. In hot climates site where light afternoon shade falls on the blooms.

Tuber rot

From cold, waterlogged soil or storing damaged tubers. Plant in free-draining ground, withhold water until shoots emerge, and cure tubers before winter storage.

Earwigs in blooms

Earwigs hide in the dense petals and chew them, marring the flowers. Trap them in rolled cardboard or straw-stuffed pots and empty the traps each morning.

Powdery mildew

White film on leaves late in the season from poor airflow. Space plants generously, water at the base, and remove affected foliage.

Prevent dahlia 'hollyhill black beauty' problems before they start

Most dahlia 'hollyhill black beauty' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:

Looking for the species overview? Dahlia — the full care guide.

Dahlia 'Hollyhill Black Beauty' problems — FAQ

Why is my dahlia 'hollyhill black beauty' petal scorch and fading?

The very dark petals absorb heat and can scorch or bleach in intense sun. In hot climates site where light afternoon shade falls on the blooms.

Why is my dahlia 'hollyhill black beauty' tuber rot?

From cold, waterlogged soil or storing damaged tubers. Plant in free-draining ground, withhold water until shoots emerge, and cure tubers before winter storage.

Why is my dahlia 'hollyhill black beauty' earwigs in blooms?

Earwigs hide in the dense petals and chew them, marring the flowers. Trap them in rolled cardboard or straw-stuffed pots and empty the traps each morning.

Why is my dahlia 'hollyhill black beauty' powdery mildew?

White film on leaves late in the season from poor airflow. Space plants generously, water at the base, and remove affected foliage.