Dahlia Mingus Joshua: characteristics and description of varieties, reviews

The fringed dahlia 'Mingus Joshua' is one of the most popular dahlia varieties. This flower grows for almost three months, from summer to late fall. Gardeners appreciate it for its low maintenance and striking appearance.

The Mingus series has several subvarieties: for example, the 'Mingus Gregory' dahlia boasts a lilac hue, while 'Joshua' draws attention with its rich lemon petals. Let's take a closer look at this dahlia variety and its variations.

Description and characteristics of the Dahlia Mingus Joshua flower

The 'Mingus Joshua' dahlia was developed in the USA in the 1990s. Breeders worked hard to develop fringed varieties with high cold tolerance and large flowers. This goal was achieved – most 'Mingus' varieties produce inflorescences over 20 cm in diameter, all flowers are resistant to nighttime frosts, and bloom well even in autumn. The bushes, regardless of subspecies, grow small: up to 120 cm in height. Parts require staking, as without it, the stems can break due to the weight of the inflorescences or gusts of wind.

The bushes are easy to grow. They don't require constant fertilizing, although they do not thrive in acidic soils. If your site has predominantly acidic soils, you should add peat or a similar fertilizer before planting.

The plant needs to be watered regularly. It's best to avoid touching the stems, inflorescences, and leaves. The best option is to water the roots from a large watering can. This allows the plant to be saturated without damaging the top, and a gentle stream of water from a watering can won't damage the roots.

The plant loves light. Dahlias thrive in open areas and are not prone to sunburn. For a normal growth cycle and abundant flowering, the bush requires at least six hours of light per day. Even residents of northern Russia can easily satisfy this requirement by planting dahlias in a prominent location.

When planting, choose the right height. Avoid planting seedlings where they might break in the wind. It's best to prepare planting sites in small depressions with adequate light.

Planting varieties should be done by burying the tubers. The plant survives well in autumn frosts, but will not develop normally if exposed to cold during the developmental stage. Therefore, wait until the favorable period for planting: late May or early June. In years with cold summers, it's best to delay burying the tubers until mid-June or leave them until the following year.

To ensure strong stems and abundant leaves, plant the tubers at a moderate distance—60-70 cm between planting points. Bury the tubers 10-15 cm deep.

Dahlia flower varieties Mingus Joshua

Between 1990 and 1997, American breeders developed six varieties of the Mingus variety. The most common are:

• Mingus Alex;
• "Mingus Joshua";
• Mingus Jackie;
• "Mingus Gregory";
• Mingus Randy.

Last but not least, the 'Mingus Toni' dahlia is not as popular with gardeners because of its rather small blooms—10 to 15 cm when grown properly. However, the flower has a pleasant pinkish hue with darker flecks, making it a good choice for commercial cultivation or for flower arrangements.

Varieties differ in their heat tolerance, bush and flower size, and care requirements. The main difference between the different species is petal color. It ranges from the deep wine red of the 'Mingus Alex' dahlia to the lemon yellow of the 'Mingus Joshua' dahlia.

The detailed description below will help you choose the type of flower that's best suited to your garden. When choosing, consider key factors such as care complexity, planting requirements, petal color, flower size, and growth. Keep in mind, however, that the plants don't differ significantly, and all can be grown safely in temperate climates.

[/good]Fact! Bushes with small flowers require less care and bloom better. Therefore, if you're not buying tubers for the purpose of selling the flowers, it's best to choose smaller varieties.

Mingus Alex

Because of the rich wine-colored petals, 'Alex' is often confused with peonies. However, it differs from the latter plant in its dense, soft petals. The flowers reach large sizes, reaching 23-25 ​​cm.

Please note: Large blooms can be achieved by planting the bush in a sunny spot. In the shade, 'Alex' or any other variety will develop more slowly and will not impress with its vibrant color.

The bush grows to no more than 100 cm. The 'Mingus Alex' dahlia does not require additional staking, despite its large calyx. This is only advisable in areas prone to strong, gusty winds.

If you're purchasing the "Alex" variety, pay special attention to planting instructions. Avoid planting the tubers too close together. When burying, leave 2 to 3 centimeters of the root collar above the ground. Planting the tubers too close together can result in lackluster blooms.

Advantages of the type:

• rich color;
• very large flower;
• low stem;
• unpretentious (does not require garter or feeding);
• blooms for more than 3 months.

Flaws:

• grows poorly in conditions of high plant density, presence of weeds or pests;
• is more expensive than other types.

If you, as a gardener, can give the seedlings enough attention and ensure they receive regular watering, you'll get stunning red flowers for home decoration or for sale. Cut branches last quite a long time in water.

Mingus Joshua

The flower resembles a large dandelion. It has the same vibrant yellow color, the only difference being a softer, more refined shade. The 'Mingus Joshua' dahlia is a symbol of summer and sunshine. It will brighten any home, adding a touch of optimism.

It's best to plant the flower after all chance of night frost has passed. 'Mingus Joshua' dahlias are heat-loving.

Interesting: To ensure the plant continues to grow during cold weather, it can be watered with warm (but not hot) water.

The inflorescence is medium in size, ranging from 15 to 20 cm. However, the vibrant color more than compensates for its lack of size. The unusually shaped petals add volume to the inflorescences: they are split in two at the ends and gently curl. Because of this feature, the plant is called "fringed."

Positive aspects of the variety:

• non-standard shape of petals;
• delicate lemon shade;
• relatively large flowers.

Negatives:

• thermophilic;
• requires support.

Mingus Jackie

During flowering, flowers up to 20 cm in diameter can be found. 'Jackie' grows only 1 meter, but nevertheless requires staking. A rigid support is suitable; taut ropes are not recommended.

The petals are pinkish-red. A distinctive feature of this subspecies is its yellow center, which is especially noticeable during summer blooms. In cold weather, the 'Mingus Jackie' dahlia grows slowly and does not produce large petals. Therefore, if a sudden night frost occurs, the bush should be covered. The 'Mingus Jackie' dahlia holds up well after cutting.

Positive aspects of the subspecies:

• suitable for cutting;
• large inflorescences.

Flaws:

• afraid of the cold;
• requires garter.

Mingus Gregory

This species holds the record for the largest inflorescences, reaching 25 cm even without special fertilizing or long daylight hours. This cultivar was one of the last to be bred, in 1997.

The petals are a delicate lilac. The cores resemble the 'Jackie' variety, also possessing a yellowish tint. However, this is almost imperceptible and is not indicated in the description of the tubers when sold.

The 'Mingus Gregory' dahlia is most often grown for cut flowers due to its large size. It is considered tolerant of prolonged watering (after cutting), and some stems even produce roots.

This variety is unpretentious and tolerates cold better than 'Jackie'.

Advantages of the variety:

• not afraid of cold;
• suitable for floristry;
• huge inflorescences.

Cons:

• often breaks due to squall winds;
• requires garter.

Mingus Randy

The 'Mingus Randy' dahlia is the smallest. Along with 'Tony,' it doesn't grow taller than 10-15 cm (flowers). But its delicate lilac color makes up for this shortcoming. Light veins run from the center of the petals—they start off white, then softly transition to a light lilac. Sometimes a hint of yellow can be seen in the center.

It does not tolerate acidic soil. It reaches a height of 90-100 cm and does not require staking. It requires plenty of sun and water.

Advantages:

• does not require feeding;
• does not require garter;
• interesting double coloring.

Flaws:

• small size;
• demanding of moisture and light.

Reviews

Irina, 76 years old, Izhevsk

Every year I buy a new variety of dahlia to decorate my garden. Last year it was 'Jackie,' this year it's 'Randy.' They thrive in full sun but can stagnate if peat isn't added to the soil. They require virtually no care during rainy seasons, and in hot weather, just leave a hose aimed at the soil nearby for half an hour a day.

Dmitry 52 years old, Tula

I planted 'Gregory' and 'Joshua' at the end of May (it was still cold). 'Gregory' didn't grow, which is a shame. 'Joshua', however, quickly reached its full height and produced buds. It bloomed, indeed, until mid-autumn. The flowers held up beautifully in a vase.

Galina, 43 years old, Kaluga

I grow 'Mingus Randy' for cut flowers. It's an excellent variety, but there are several variations—I had to scour the internet to find the most beautiful one with lots of white. One bush can add 10-20 bouquets over the summer and fall. The flowers look great both in a garden plot and in a vase.

There's no need to limit yourself when choosing dahlias. The varieties are very similar, and even with undifferentiated care, the bushes will bloom profusely and for a long time. Plots that combine flowers in different shades—lilac and lemon, or pink and lilac—look great. Wine-colored 'Alex' is best planted to the side or next to peonies to create a pleasing appearance.