This was an answer from the Dahlia group if someone had the same problem as I with wind damage to my tall Dahlias. With the heavy foilage and flowers the wind knocked over the stakes and all.

Some snapped on the large jointed stalks and have the stalk openings mentioned, while others will have the same holes when I cut back.

Amazing what one can learn from these forums. Trial and error, along with mistakes and disappointments are easily overcome, arn't they?

Jim

Posted by: plantlady2 NW Washington (My Page) on Thu, Sep 29, 05 at 19:48

It won't hurt them unless they have really large hollow stems that rain can get into. Just pop a bit of foil over the larger stems & they should be OK. They will start putting out some new leaves at the bottom but when frost comes again it will take care of that.