Dahlia Happy Single Wink (='HS Wink')

[ideasguy]

I "discovered" the name of this one which I grew a few years ago.

It was a substitute supplied to my mail order (I ordered Bishop of Llandaff)
The name was on the label but somehow I overlooked it but, being a hoarder, it was stored away and found later.

A little research and I find it sure is recommended. This from Graham Rice's blog:
http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/blogs/graham_rice/archive/2008/06/12/happy-single-dahlias.aspx

My comments?
Its a real beauty.

Graham tells us that the Happy Series includes the dramatic Happy Single Juliet ('HS Juliet') , Happy Single Romeo (?HS Romeo?), in rich red, and "my one" - Happy Single Wink (?HS Wink?), in lilac with a red ring round the eye.
He tells us to look out next year for Happy Single Princess (?HS Princess?) with pure white flowers set against dark foliage
Since the blog was dated 12th June 08, it should now be out there folk!

Anyone grow any of the Dahlias in the Happy Series?

[Lyn and Malcolm]

Bought one in flower from Selborne plant fair named Happy Singles Princess last summer, twas a white one with gold centre and dark foliage.

It was a waste of time as at the end of summer it had no tuber, just the stem and roots, it wasn't long on our plant guide.

See picture in this topic http://www.flowergenie.co.uk/ideas/forum/index.php/topic,1152.0.html

Malcolm

[ideasguy]

That was a disappointment, Malcolm, particularly since its the latest addition to the series.

I lifted one of my HS Winks at the end of the season and it had formed a good tuber. I left the others in the ground.
They have all fizzled out now, unfortunately, and I would be very surprised if any of my Dahlias (not lifted) survive that dreadful winter we've just had.

If you see HS Wink on your travels, I'd recommend you try it.

Heres a couple of photos of HS Wink on 14th Aug 08


and heres another on 1st Sept 08


I'd describe it as a good pink with a very striking deep pink eye.
As you see it goes really well with its dark foliage (like Bishop of Llandaff)

[Eric Hardy]

I am not a great dahlia fan, George, a lot of them I just find too showy. Your HS Wink looks rather nice though, I would quite like that in our garden. I like the little drops of water on the petals in your picture.

[ideasguy]

Its worth a try Eric, if you like pink - one of my favourite colours in the garden.

We get more than our fair share of those little drops of water here in Ireland
When its too wet for the garden, its sometimes a good time for the camera

[Lyn and Malcolm]

I guess you both won't like this one ?



Malcolm

[ideasguy]

and why not? Its a beauty. Dahlias are all spectacular for me.
When it comes to cultivars of a Genera, they are unbeatable. They have SO many shapes, sizes, colours and foliage variations they are one of the best.

What is that one Malcolm?

[Eric Hardy]

I guess you both won't like this one ?

No, this one comes into my range of nice dahlias too, Malcolm. Both yours and Georges are fairly simple flowers. Some are very beautiful on their own but I think it is large showy dahlias in a mass that put me off, the colours can go so wrong.

[Lyn and Malcolm]

Thanks both.
The name is ''Fashion monger'
Lyn is not keen on the flower and certainly not the name, but as it is in MY garden, no problem. 

Malcolm

[ideasguy]

How did that one find its way into YOUR garden

[newplantguy]

 I like the Dahlia 'Fashion Monger' - not sure about the name though.
Here is a link to a site that has a lot of info about Dahlia.
Ken is a breeder friend of mine.   
http://www.kesdahlias.co.uk/
Paul.

[ideasguy]

Thanks for posting that link Paul. That guy is a marvel!

Theres a lot of ERROR 404, The Page Cannot Be Found, but those links that work lead to very good stories.

Ken has a good sense of humour, Paul. I liked this little story:
http://www.kesdahlias.co.uk/frank_bruno.htm
I wonder if the 'Bruno Collection' became a reality?

Well worth following the links on his website. Really interesting stuff!