What dahlias look like - varieties and types of plants

Among the varieties of dahlias, there are lush giants and modest miniature plants that resemble daisies. The dahlia inflorescence consists of many large reed and small tubular flowers of various colors. They are often mistakenly referred to as petals. The straight, hollow stem of the plant can be from 25 cm to two meters high. Leaves are dense, dark green (sometimes with a purple tint), pinnately-divided. There are several thousand varieties that differ in color and shape of inflorescences.

Description of groups

There are two large groups of flowers - flower beds and curbs. They are used as decorative flowering garden plants and as cut flowers. Depending on how dahlias look like, they can be planted in flower arrangements or accentuated on a single plant. Compact bushes are placed in containers on terraces or along garden paths.

Variety of dahlias

Tall varieties are referred to flower beds. This is the most numerous and effective group. A striking representative of it is the Barbarossa dahlia with huge red flowers 25 cm in diameter and a bush height of 2 meters. Not so tall (120 cm), but memorable - the Yellow Star bush dahlia with bright fringed inflorescences.

Dahlia Barbarossa

Curb dahlias are short flowers that form a compact bush. They do not need to be tied or pinched. The diameter of the inflorescences is 10-20 cm. Depending on the size, low-growing dahlias are divided into groups:

• Dwarf potted. These are mini-dahlias up to 30 cm high. These flowers are grown in pots.
• Dwarf curbs. They differ in bushes measuring 30-40 cm. They are planted in mixborders in the foreground.
• Actually curbs. These are plants with a height of 40 to 60 cm with a neat dense bush and a long flowering period.

For growing in containers, the Figaro dahlia varietal series is suitable. It is a dwarf, long-flowering dahlia species of curb annual dahlias. The compact size allows these specimens to be used on balconies and in miniature flower beds.

Depending on the desired color, you can select varieties of different colors. Figaro Yellow dahlias add warmth and sunshine to the surrounding space. Their color ranges from lemon to light yellow. Figaro Violet pleases with dark purple flowers.

Dahlia Figaro

The perennial dwarf dahlias include the Galleri series with a wide palette of shades. The names of the varieties in this series are associated with painting. The highest sprout of miniatures does not exceed 35 cm. Flowers are large, slightly curled, densely double. Flowering continues until winter. The variety Galleri La Tour is impressive. The color of the lush double inflorescences consists of many shades: from white to light lilac, with tints of lavender and soft amethyst.

Gallery La Tour

The vibrant dahlia Alstergruss contrasts spectacularly with the larger plants in flower arrangements. Inflorescences are orange-red, long flowering.

Dora is a 55 cm high border variety with an interesting color. In the middle, the ligulate flowers are yellow, and at the edges are pink. Shades smoothly blend into each other, creating an expressive gradient.

Rare varieties of dahlias include specimens with dark foliage. Inflorescences of any color look spectacular with such a frame. The decorative scarlet flowers of the Ellen Houston variety look like inviting lights against the background of maroon, almost black dahlia leaves. Warm orange blossoms combined with the bronze foliage of David Howard will enliven any floral arrangement.

Variety David Howard

Classification of cultural dahlias

In accordance with the international classification, dahlias are divided according to the shapes and types of inflorescences. There are simple, anemone, cactus and semi-cactus, spherical and pompom, collar and decorative varieties.

Simple

In non-double dahlias, ligulate flowers are located in one row along the perimeter of the inflorescence. They look really simple, but, due to their unpretentiousness, they are often found in gardens and flower beds. The variety of low-growing dahlias Merry guys is widespread. Non-double flat flowers of various shades are pleasing to the eye and uplifting. The variety is reliable and time-tested, easily propagated by seeds.

Funny boys

Anemone

Inflorescences of anemone dahlias are very beautiful: along the edge they have large oval flowers (1-3 rows), and the center is densely dotted with tubular ones. The central flowers form a lush hemisphere. The diameter of the inflorescence is 10-20 cm.

Boogie Woogie variety

A good "dancing" series from this category:

• The Boogie-Woogie variety blooms from June until frost. The outer deep pink edge of the flower contrasts beautifully with the bright yellow center.
• Mambo is similar to purple terry anemones. The central flowers have a carved edge and a golden edging.
• Delicate Lambada combines a creamy middle with a light pink edge. The blossoming inflorescence reaches 15 cm in diameter.

Cactus

The basis of this group of varieties is ligate flowers. They are twisted down the entire length, forming a lush needle-like inflorescence. Among the cactus dahlias there are variegated and monochromatic plants of different heights.

The contrasting variety Friquolet is used to create accents in group plantings. Red flowers with white tips are rolled into tubes and form a double needle-like inflorescence.

Friquolet

Semi-cactus

Dahlias of this group differ from cactus dahlias in that their flowers are twisted only at the tip, and not along the entire length. Such plants are a transitional form from ornamental to cactus, therefore, they are characterized by the characteristics of both groups. The diameter of the inflorescence in varieties of this class reaches 30 cm.

A tall variety of white semi-cactus dahlias Ice Princess attracts with the radiant purity of delicate petals.

Ice Princess

Spherical

In plants belonging to the spherical varieties, the reed flowers are half twisted into funnel-shaped tubes. Terry inflorescence is formed in the form of a ball.

Marble Ball adorable flowers. Variegated inflorescences with plum touches on a white background are accentuated by dark green foliage. The variety is good for both cutting and landscape design.

Marble Ball

Pompom

Dahlia pomponnaya differs from globular smaller flowers, rolled into a tube along the entire length. Inflorescences are 5-6 cm in diameter, terry, hemispherical. Planting plants of different colors nearby, gardeners create a bright, cheerful mix from pompom varieties.

The magical appearance of the Wizard of Oz pink dahlias lives up to their name (The Wizard of Oz). Delicate mother-of-pearl color makes this variety indispensable when composing bouquets for young admirers of fairy tales.

Wizard of oz

Collar

In the inflorescence of collared dahlias, in addition to one row of long ligulate flowers, there is another one, with smaller flowers, which are often differently colored. All of them border the center, consisting of tubular flowers.

The Fashion Monger variety of dahlias attracts attention, the yellow collar of which is framed with large purple flowers with white tips. Florists are happy to use these flowers when composing colorful and mischievous bouquets.

Fashion Monger

Decorative

The magnificent double inflorescences of the ornamental varieties consist of wide, reed flowers, flat or slightly wavy. They are oval or slightly pointed. The inflorescences look lush due to the extreme petals slightly bent down.

Types of flowers in this group by the size of inflorescences:

• decorative small, with a diameter of less than 12 cm;
• decorative medium 12-15cm;
• decorative gigantic, inflorescences of which exceed 15 cm in diameter.

The Fuzzy Wuzzy variety conquers at first sight. It is good for everyone: both the jagged tips of the flowers, and the rich crimson color, and the white border.

Fuzzy wuzzy

Dahlias are often associated with childhood, autumn, the beginning of the school year. These luxurious flowers are used in festive bouquets. Florists value them for their beauty, unpretentiousness and variety.