Dahlias, with their vibrant colors and diverse forms, are a gardener’s delight. Whether you’re planning a garden bed or creating a stunning bouquet, understanding the different types of dahlias can help you make informed choices. Let’s explore six popular dahlia varieties that will add beauty and flair to your outdoor space or floral arrangements.
1. Formal Decorative Dahlias
Formal decorative dahlias are known for their evenly spaced and regularly placed petals, creating a symmetrical appearance. These double-flowered beauties have petals that may slightly curve back toward the flower’s stem. Some noteworthy formal decorative dahlias include:
- ‘Eveline’: Snowy white flowers with a lavender margin, blooming from July through frost.
- ‘Hillcrest Firecrest’: Bi-color yellow and red blooms.
- ‘Kelvin Floodlight’: A dinner plate dahlia with lemony yellow petals and slightly pointed edges.
- ‘Rothesay Reveller’: Medium-sized flowers with purple and white petals.
- ‘Barbarry Sultan’: Small flowers in shades of dark pink to red.
2. Informal Decorative Dahlias
Similar to formal decorative dahlias, informal decorative varieties have irregularly spaced petals, giving them a more relaxed and natural look. Some favorites in this category include:
- ‘Cafe au Lait’: A wildly popular dinner plate dahlia with stunning 10-inch flowers in creamy blush, peach, or beige.
- ‘Crazy Love’: Medium-sized dahlia with white petals surrounding a yellow center, adorned with thin purple margins.
- ‘Gitt’s Perfection’: Enormous pale pink flowers that fade to a white center atop 4-foot-tall stems.
3. Anemone Dahlias
Anemone dahlias feature a central disc surrounded by a ring of flat petals. Their unique appearance resembles anemone flowers. Look out for these captivating blooms:
- ‘Mystic Illusion’: Deep burgundy petals with a contrasting yellow center.
- ‘Totally Tangerine’: Bright orange petals encircling a dark center.
4. Ball Dahlias
Ball dahlias create rounded, globe-like blooms. They are compact and charming, making them ideal for both gardens and bouquets. Notable ball dahlias include:
- ‘Wizard of Oz’: Soft pink flowers with a hint of lavender.
- ‘Bishop of Llandaff’: Vibrant red blooms with dark foliage.
5. Pompon Dahlias
Pompon dahlias are small and adorable, resembling little balls of petals. Their diminutive size adds cuteness to any arrangement. Keep an eye out for:
- ‘Little Robert’: Deep red pompon flowers.
- ‘Honka’: Yellow pompons with a touch of green.
6. Cactus Dahlias
Cactus dahlias boast spiky, tubular petals that give them a dramatic appearance. These unique blooms are perfect for adding texture and flair:
- ‘Chat Noir’: Dark burgundy-black petals.
- ‘Karma Choc’: Rich chocolate-brown flowers.
Remember, when choosing dahlias, consider your garden space, color preferences, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a floral enthusiast, these dahlia types offer endless possibilities for creativity and beauty.
