Professional Growing Information 
I love these plants. But despite the label all 3 that I purchased this year have powdery mildew. I brought 2 from the nursery in my area, loved them so much I went back a few weeks later and brought one more. I have not even planted the 3rd one yet because I'm not sure it will survive.
Mystic Illusion Dahlia hybrid
-
Details
Features
Giving OTHER plants an INFERIORITY COMPLEX.Showy star-shaped flowers appear to jump off the dark foliage
Award WinnerHeat TolerantAttracts:ButterfliesCharacteristics
Plant Type:AnnualHeight Category:MediumGarden Height:18 - 36 InchesSpacing:12 - 16 InchesSpread:12 - 16 InchesFlower Colors:YellowFlower Shade:YellowFoliage Colors:PurpleFoliage Shade:Black/PurpleHabit:MoundedContainer Role:FillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:SunThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:ModerateBloom Time:Planting To FrostHardiness Zones:8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11bWater Category:AverageSoil Fertility Requirement:Average SoilUses:ContainerUses:LandscapeUses Notes:Use in mixed combinations, landscapes and beds
Maintenance Notes:Dahlias form tubers and these tubers can be stored for replanting in the spring. To dig and store tubers follow these directions. First, allow frost to kill the top of the plant then cut back the stems and dig the tubers. Wash off any soil and then allow the tubers to dry. Wrap dry tubers in newspapers or pack them in peat moss. Label each tuber or group of tubers so you know what they are come spring. Store tubers in a dark, cool (35 to 45 F) place. Do not allow tubers to freeze. Deadheading will encourage additional blooming.
Mystic Illusion is an absolute rock star in the landscape. Its lemon yellow blooms pop against the dark foliage, creating quite a show even when viewed from a distance. The plants are quite resistant to powdery mildew, making them easier for you to manage. Standing 18-36” tall, they also make fantastic thrillers in combination containers.
Fine Gardening Magazine Trial Garden Recommendation.
The Man behind the Mystic
Dr. Keith Hammett is New Zealand's leading professional breeder of ornamental plants. He originally studied botany at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom and followed with a PhD in plant pathology. Despite a scientific background and long research history, he sees the creation of ornamental plants as an art form comparable to other areas of aesthetic activity.
Dr. Hammett's dahlias have won top awards at the Royal Horticultural Society's trials and were featrued in the Chelsea Flower Show. His dahlias are renowned for their bright, vibrant flowers with dark central discs, and dark bronze to black foliage. His work represents a change in breeding direction for dahlias, which occurred when Dr. Hammett bred with species of dahlia not previoiusly used. Dr. Hammett was recently awarded the Reginald Cory Cup by RHS for his pioneering work with dahlias.
Mystic Illusion Dahlia hybrid 'Knockout' USPP 18,339 -
19 Reviews
513453121Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Stacy, Florida, United States, 2 years ago
-
Purchased this flower last spring at about 10 inches tall. It grew out to be almost 3' foot and 3-4' feet wide. I almost didn't plant them far enough apart. They were my absolute favorite with beautiful blooms all season long until first part of November. Continued to thrive even in the severe August heat. Love them, will be looking to plant them again next summer.
Jill, Kansas, United States, 3 years ago -
we bought 6 of these. they need additional water in utah than what the label says, but they have far exceeded our expectations. they have grown into full bushes! they continue to bloom and have lots of buds ready to bloom even now in september. i get calls from the neighbors commenting on how gorgeous these are! very easy to grow (if i remember to water every other day).
s carroll, Utah, United States, 4 years ago -
I have been trying to order the mystic illusion plant on line to share with my friends. These are the most beautiful plants I have seen for quite a while. Please infor...Thank you
rosalyn soller, Pennsylvania, United States, 8 years ago -
Ive grown this plant twice now. Two different plants from greenhouses. This is AMAZING, I don't know if everyone has this success but I have been in two different houses/gardens and this dahlia exceeds the sizing and is closer to 3' tall and 3-4' wide... Ive had it in full sun and this year it was in sun until about 1-2pm and still grew to the size of a bush. If youre looking for a eye catching focal point , this will do the job. I tried saving the tubers on the first plant 3 yrs ago and they mushed on me.. I am going to try again this fall and hope they don't mush on me. I have a very hard time finding this plant , most green houses have not heard of it, if they have, they are sold out.
KIMBERLY Dailey, Michigan, United States, 11 years ago -
I bought this in a 4 inch pot early summer and it grew to a huge two foot by four foot gorgeous plant. Tons of blooms and everyone who saw it loved it. I did nothing but water it. I live where summers are hot so I put it in a place with afternoon shade. It finally froze this week. I can't wait till next summer.
Valerie Hart, 12 years ago -
This is the flower that converted me to growing Dahlias.
Patsy Bell Hobson, Missouri, United States, 12 years ago -
Beautiful,constant flowers and fills beautifully. Very hardy
Dawn Evanson, Illinois, United States, 12 years ago -
Gorgeous plant, put 2 in my half barrel and they filled it up. Must get more.
Cindy, Pennsylvania, United States, 12 years ago -
I LOVE this flower, mine are coming back after a hard winter for Central Florida
Sherri Colbert, Florida, United States, 12 years ago
31 Awards
Award Year Award Plant Trial 2012 Hall of Fame Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2011 Top Performers Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2011 Top Performers Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2010 Gold Medal Champaign County Illinois Master Gardener Idea Garden 2010 Gold Medal Champaign County Illinois Master Gardener Idea Garden 2010 Gold Medal Champaign County Illinois Master Gardener Idea Garden 2010 Top Performer Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2010 Top Performer Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2010 Gold Medal Champaign County Illinois Master Gardener Idea Garden 2010 Top Performer Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden -
