Dahlia

Dahlia

Botanical name: Dahlia spp.

Bloom type: Perennial 

Dahlias are a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native to Mexico and Central America. They belong to the Asteraceae family, which includes sunflowers and daisies. Dahlias are renowned for their striking, diverse blooms and vibrant colors. The plant's height can vary widely, from compact varieties as short as 1 foot to tall varieties that can reach up to 6 feet or more. Dahlias have dark green, pinnate leaves with serrated edges. The flowers are the highlight of this plant, ranging from small, delicate blossoms to large, dinner-plate-sized blooms. They come in a vast array of shapes, sizes, and colors, including shades of red, pink, yellow, white, purple, and more.

Bloom Type Dahlias have a wide variety of bloom types, categorized based on the arrangement and shape of the petals.

Some common types include:

• Single: One row of petals surrounding a central disc.
• Anemone: One or more rows of flat or slightly cupped petals with a central cluster of tubular florets.
• Collarette: One row of flat petals with a collar of shorter, inner petals.
• Cactus: Petals are long, narrow, and pointed, rolled back towards the base.
• Decorative: Fully double flowers with broad, flat, or slightly curved petals.
• Pompon: Small, round, ball-shaped flowers with tightly arranged petals. Dahlias bloom from mid-summer to the first frost, providing a long season of color and beauty in the garden.