Imagine having a garden full of colors, each flower more beautiful than the last. With over 60,000 named types of dahlia flowers, you can create a stunning garden. These flowers come in many colors, from soft white to bright red, and from delicate pink to deep purple.
Dahlias are known for their beauty and variety. They have 15 different colors and many shapes, like the elegant orchid dahlias and the big, fluffy pom pom ones. Whether you want to add drama to your garden or fill it with beautiful flowers, there's a dahlia for you.
Intro to Dahlia Flower Varieties
The world of dahlia flowers is truly captivating, with an amazing array of varieties to explore. The American Dahlia Society recognizes 42 distinct species, several subspecies, and an impressive 60,000 named dahlia varieties. This diversity lets gardeners and floral enthusiasts pick from a wide range of options when adding these stunning blooms to their gardens.
Dahlias come in 15 different colors and combinations, showing the endless creative potential of this versatile flower. You can find everything from vibrant reds and oranges to delicate pastels and bold bicolors. The dahlia's color palette is a true feast for the senses.
Experts and enthusiasts have spent countless hours studying and documenting the fascinating world of dahlia varieties. For example, "Dahlias: A Colour Guide" by Ted Collins offers detailed descriptions and over 500 captivating color photographs of 1,800 unique dahlia varieties. "The Encyclopedia of Dahlias" by Bill McClaren highlights nearly 700 garden-worthy dahlia selections, each with its own unique history, awards, and cultural quirks.
Dahlia breeders like Kristine Albrecht have made big contributions to the field. They share their experience in producing new and innovative dahlia varieties for the show circuit and floral trade. Authors like Naomi Slade and Georgianna Lane have also championed the dahlia as a fabulous cutting flower. They show its ability to provide stunning bursts of color in home gardens from late summer to the first frost of autumn.
With such a vast and diverse array of dahlia flower varieties, gardeners and flower enthusiasts will find endless inspiration and delight. They will discover the unique and captivating world of these extraordinary blooms.
Dahlia Flower Colors
The dahlia flower is a true marvel with over 40 species and thousands of varieties. It ranges from the fiery red 'Arabian Night' and 'Bishop Llandaff' to the elegant white 'Boom Boom White' and 'Center Court'. These perennials come in a wide array of colors, from soft baby pinks like 'Cafe au Lait' to bold hot pinks such as 'Chilson's Pride'.
There are also cheerful yellow dahlias like 'Golden Torch' and 'Kelvin Floodlight' that bring sunshine to gardens. Regal purple dahlias like 'Babylon Purple' and 'Blue Boy Dahlia' add a majestic touch with their grace and beauty. The dahlia also includes shades of orange, from tangerine to raspberry-tipped pompons, with some stems reaching up to 6 feet tall.
Whether you prefer the bold, spiky red flowers or the delicate, pinwheel-like white blooms, dahlias offer endless options. They add vibrant, long-lasting beauty to any outdoor space.
Dahlia Flower Shapes
Dahlias are not just known for their bright colors. They also come in many shapes that catch the eye of gardeners and flower lovers. The classic ball dahlia has a flat top and spiraling petals. The cactus dahlia looks like a starburst with its unique shape.
The pompom dahlia has a round, fluffy look with curved petals. Mignon dahlias have a soft, round shape with petals around a center. The orchid dahlia stands out with its open center and spreading petals.
| Dahlia Flower Shape | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Ball Dahlia | Flowers measure 3 to 4" across with a flattened top and petals that grow in a spiral shape. |
| Cactus Dahlia | Starburst-shaped petals that are tightly curled and ray-like. |
| Mignon Dahlia | Round ray florets surrounding a central disc. |
| Orchid Dahlia | Open center with a ray of florets surrounding a disc. |
| Pompom Dahlia | Rounded shape with curved, overlapping petals. |
From the bold cactus dahlia to the soft pompom variety, dahlias come in many shapes. Each shape offers a unique way to create beautiful flower arrangements. Whether you like the classic ball dahlia or the special orchid type, there's a dahlia for every gardener's taste.
Long-Lasting Dahlia Varieties
When picking dahlias for your garden, think about how long they'll last. Some dahlias are made to bloom for a longer time. Pompom, small and miniature ball, and compact cactus dahlias are great for a longer season of flowers.
These dahlias are harder for bees to pollinate. So, they don't fade as fast as single dahlias. Great choices for long-lasting blooms include 'Cornel', 'Franz Kafka', 'Kasasagi', 'Moor Place', and 'Small World'.
| Variety | Bloom Size | Stem Length | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Cornel' | 4-6 inches | 18-24 inches | 90-100 days |
| 'Franz Kafka' | 3-5 inches | 12-18 inches | 80-90 days |
| 'Kasasagi' | 5-7 inches | 20-24 inches | 90-100 days |
| 'Moor Place' | 3-5 inches | 16-20 inches | 85-95 days |
| 'Small World' | 2-4 inches | 12-18 inches | 80-90 days |
These long-lasting dahlias are perfect for a colorful garden or for cut flowers all season.
Conclusion
Dahlias are a true showstopper in any garden, capturing hearts with their wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They come in everything from fiery reds to elegant whites and regal purples. Each type offers a unique beauty that can brighten up any garden.
With over 36 recognized species and thousands of hybrids, dahlias give gardeners a lot to choose from. These plants can grow up to 10 feet tall and are a favorite in summer gardens in Europe, North America, and New Zealand. They're not just pretty; dahlias also have health benefits. Their tubers have inulin, a prebiotic, and their flowers are full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
If you love dahlias or want to try growing them, now is the perfect time. These plants bring vibrant colors, varied forms, and health benefits to your garden. They're sure to be a highlight of your summer and fall gardens.
