Types and varieties of dahlias

Dahlias can be found in a wide variety in breeders' front gardens around the world. This shrub has an amazing decorative shape, the brightness of the proposed colors, and therefore is popular.

There are many descriptions of varieties of dahlias, but they all belong to one genus - Long-flowering. The homeland of the plant is Mexico; the flower was introduced to Europe only at the end of the 18th century. When dahlias were first cultivated, their shoots were rather long, slender, with wide gaps between the branches. By breeding new varieties, gardeners were able to maintain the symmetrical shape of inflorescences and bushes.

Flowers, depending on the variety, may differ in the shape of the petals. Flowering is always long. Dahlia begins to delight gardeners with the brightness of the proposed palette from the middle of summer and continues to retain its decorative appearance until autumn frosts. It is this advantage that is valued in the plant more than others. So far, only 13 species of this garden flower have been recognized, but there are about 15 thousand varieties. All of them are described in detail in encyclopedias.

These Mexican flowering bushes are classified according to the size of the inflorescences and bushes, there is a division by color. There are countless hybrids in each class, which helps to group them into an organized system. Experienced growers are engaged in the cultivation of special varieties, competing with each other. As a result, even more plants with amazing flower shapes are appearing on the market. The new types of dahlias presented amaze the mind and imagination of gardeners.

Most varieties have medium to large bushes. All dahlias grow from tubers. The plant loves the sun, well-drained soil, plenty of water.

All presented varieties of this flower can be divided into classes according to the shape of the flower. It takes into account how the flower looks, and occasionally - the nature of its petals. Another method of dividing dahlia hybrids is to measure the size of the inflorescence. This method is a quick and fairly straightforward way to find out which species a plant belongs to.

Ornamental types may exhibit thick petals that are usually flat and sometimes curled slightly. Round spherical flowers with double, flat, spirally arranged petals - this is a different type of plant. Cactus dahlias can be safely called one of the most spectacular; they have curled, almost straight petals. There are single, semi-paired flowers and anemones. They exhibit star-shaped flowers with flat petals.

Dahlias are classified according to several criteria, we will consider them in more detail.

One way to recognize the variety of a dahlia is to pay attention to the size of the flowers. This division looks like this:

• giant flowers, the diameter of which reaches 25 cm and more;
• rather large baskets with a width of 20 to 25 cm;
• inflorescences of medium size - 15-20 cm in diameter;
• miniature dahlia flowers - 10-15 cm;
• tiny flowers up to 10 cm in size.

Consider the international classification of dahlia bushes by height:

• all bushes that are more than 120 cm in height are classified as tall;
• dahlias from 90 to 120 cm are classified as medium-sized;
• bushes from 60 to 80 cm in height are considered undersized curbs;
• bed dahlias grow from 30 to 60 cm;
• the smallest varieties, often used for planting in pots, are not more than 30 cm.

Dahlias are also classified according to the shade of flowers:

• white, creamy and ivory;
• yellow;
• Orange;
• pink dahlia;
• dark pink, in a separate category;
• Red;
• dark red, like dark pink, is in a separate category;
• the next on the list is lilac or lavender;
• magenta and violet;
• dark orange, also called bronze.

If the variety contains more than one shade, then a different classification is used.

• Light mix of shades. In this case, the white color is ignored, two-tone pastel colors and those that are present at the edges of the petals are taken into account.
• Dark color combination: this includes dark reds and purples.
• Dahlias are variegated. Such varieties have two shades on the obverse of the petals, which are present not only in the form of spots and dots, but also strokes or splashes. Such decorations always contrast with the main shade.
• Option, when there are two colors on the petalssharing a leading position.

The genus of perennial dahlias is very diverse. Most varieties are shrubs, for example, Bold Assend, La Gioconda. All of them are appreciated by gardeners for their beautiful flowers.

Anemones show interesting pompom-shaped petal formations... The flower center is surrounded by a set of flat, wide petals. In this view, such varieties are presented as Brio, Blue Bayou, Lucky Duck and many more. They bloom in spring and summer in temperate climates.

Variety spherical dahlias justifies its name by the fact that its double petals form an ideal spherical shape at the top of the stem. Among the varieties of this category, it stands out especially "Ideal".

They are distinguished by incredibly beautiful flowers and cactus dahlias, which produce double inflorescences with thin petals that hide the central part. It is this feature that makes them look like a cactus, which is located on top of a tall plant stem. They vary in color, there are both white representatives of the species and dark purple, almost black.

These dahlias are distinguished by their compact form of bushes. The maximum height is 50 cm. Baskets can grow in diameter up to 10 cm. This species can be identified by the tubular petals on the flowers, around which there is a row of reed petals.

Among the varieties most demanded by gardeners in this category, it is worth noting such specimens.

• Yellow Hammer... Such a dahlia stands out with small-sized inflorescences with an attractive yellow color. The maximum to which the bush stretches in height is 50 cm.

• Murillo. According to its characteristics, this dahlia is very similar to the previous one, it is distinguished only by the color of the flowers - lilac.

• Anna-Karina. These dahlias grow up to 70 cm, they will become one of the main decorations of the front garden or flower bed thanks to the flowers of a snow-white color with a yellow core.

• "Alpen Sarah"... The presented variety of dahlias can be safely ranked among the new generation, since it was bred only in 2018. An unusual plant with white flowers, which is distinguished by the presence of blotches of a bright cherry hue on the petals.

• Agnes. A low-growing flower, ideal for decorating small flower beds, balconies. Will delight you with crimson flowers.

This species is very diverse, the maximum height of the bushes can reach 90 cm.On average, the diameter of the inflorescences reaches 10 cm. Dahlias of this species are distinguished by the presence of several rows of reed flowers along the edge. The inner disc is framed by large tubular petals. The name of the group of plants is very easy to explain; from the outside, the flowers are very similar to anemones.

Of the most popular varieties, it is worth highlighting the following.

• "Blue Bayou"... They are distinguished by baskets, the diameter of which can vary from 10 to 15 cm. It is a bicolor variety with purple tubular petals and a second row of lilac shades.

• Asahi Chokhi. The height of the described shrub is not more than a meter. The tubular shape of the flowers in the basket can be white or yellow, but the second row is white with small but attractive red stripes.

• "Brio"... One cannot but praise the presented variety for its compactness and the presence of magnificent red inflorescences.

• Honey. The diameter of the flowers of this plant can reach 7 cm, it is rarely more than 50 cm in height. The petals in the outer circle are painted in a dark pink color, inside they are yellow.

Even the most colorful description will not convey all the beauty of dahlias of this species. These are quite tall bushes, they can reach 12 cm, with inflorescences large in diameter - 10 cm. Inside it is difficult not to notice a dense disc of tubular petals.

• "Night Butterfly"... A small variety that is distinguished not only by its compactness, but also by its attractive appearance. The reed petals have a dark wine color, a white collar, and a yellow core completes the composition.

• Alpen Mary Lloyd... The dahlia will not show active growth, the inflorescences may have different colors in intensity, but they always remain crimson.

• "Impression Fantastico". A shrub that can be classified as undersized, pleases gardeners with the attractiveness and brightness of the inflorescences. You can distinguish it by a series of petals on the outside, which are painted in a red burning color, the collar has white blotches, and the core is yellow.

• Fashion Monger. This variety immediately stands out in the flower bed with its compactness and large buds, which, after blooming, reach up to 10 cm. The reed petals have pointed ends, they are white, but on the front side it is difficult not to notice a wide strip of purple hue. The inside of the disc is yellow, while the collar remains pure white.

• "Flamenco"... Like other varieties in this form, this dahlia is not long, it grows up to a meter.

• Alstergrus. An interesting option for the front garden, with a charming basket rich in orange and red.

Representatives of this variety are often stretched up to 12 cm in height, their buds are terry, high density and have an impressive width of 15 cm. The lingual forms of flowers can be either flat or have a raised edge.

Among the varieties, the following specimens stand out.

• Bahama Red. Inflorescences up to 8 cm, the petals of the flowers are red, but they have an interesting feature - the tip is white.

• "Sedakshen"... Quite tall dahlias with large flowers, 13 cm in diameter. This variety has an interesting color, the main color is pink, but the edges and middle are dark purple.

• "Sugar Kane". An amazing option for a flower bed. The dahlia will stand out from the rest with an orange palette on the petals with bleached ends.

• Angela. This variety is popular for bouquets, its stems can reach a height of 12 cm, and wide pink flowers are formed on the bush.

Ornamental varieties are considered one of the most popular among gardeners, as they can grow up to 15 cm.The flowers are one of the largest, sometimes 25 cm in diameter. In the inflorescences there are many tubular petals, the ligulate ones are wider than in other species.

• "A. Humpley "... It is very popular in floristry, since the dahlia on the bush forms wide baskets of a simple pink shade, sometimes with the addition of lilac.

• "Tartan". The flowers are quite large, cherry rich in color, there is a white stripe in the very center of the petals, which are slightly wavy.

• "Lucky Nambre"... This is a classic represented by a large size pink shade.

• "Prince Carnival"... Also a pink variety, but already light, there are blotches of a cherry shade and small strokes.

• Calvin Floodlight... If you want large flowers, then this is exactly the variety. It has won many awards for its acid yellow color.

• "Blue Bell"... An amazing purple flower that also exudes a unique scent.

• "Whittem". It features porcelain white petals and a slightly lilac middle.

• "La luna". Very large, creamy bud with faint yellow stripes.

• Seattle. Terry, chicken-colored sunny flowers will decorate any flower bed.

• Garden Wonder. Densely double, with swirling flat petals in a dark red shade.

• Spartacus Orange. Its petal shade is very similar to that of a ripe apricot.

One of the representatives of spherical dahlias is the Marble ball variety, known all over the world. Such plants differ in terry spherical inflorescences, which reach 15 cm in diameter, but no more. The reed petals can be rounded or chopped off. Such flowers grow in height no more than 12 cm.

The following varieties are in demand.

• "Aykun". Small shrub dahlias do not even reach the gardener's waist. Boasting yellow petals and red edging.

• Rocco. Gardeners fell in love with this variety for the spreading nature of its shoots. Baskets are medium in size, shade red with purple.

• "Silvia". If you want variety in a flower bed, then dahlias cannot be found better than the presented variety. The flower is distinguished by an amazing salmon color with a predominance of orange.

• "Annushka". A variety bred by breeders, which has baskets of inflorescences of a lilac palette.

• Akita. The incredible color is a characteristic feature of the buds of this dahlia bush. The ends of the petals are white, the core is yellow, the rest of the color is coral.

Even a beginner can easily distinguish the presented species by double flowers, which are formed in the form of a ball, but do not reach more than 5 cm in diameter. The marginal flowers are always twisted, can be blunt or rounded. The height of the bushes is from 75 cm to 1.2 m. Let's highlight the following.

• "Acrobat". These dahlias can be safely attributed to tall ones, since they most often reach 1.2 m in height. The spherical flowers are very dense, the petals have a delicate pink color and the shape of a tube

• Buntling. Medium plant, dense orange flowers, twisted petals.

• Anke. The presented variety fell in love with breeders for the ideal shape of the inflorescences and bright, red color.

• Albino. It is impossible not to fall in love with this flower for its snow-white buds and a small bush, which will certainly become a decoration of the front garden.

• Andrew Lockwood... The dahlia's basket, like all representatives of this species, is dense, the petals are in the shape of a tube, and are distinguished by a rich pink color.

All dahlias, which are considered cactus, have an impressive height and can reach up to one and a half meters, so gardeners often prefer to tie them up during the flowering period. The inflorescences are also large, they can reach 25 cm in diameter. The flowers are twisted inside out along the edge, so from the side such an inflorescence resembles a cactus.

• "Blutenteppih". Dahlia with rich pink flowers and a 15 cm diameter basket.Surprisingly, this is a stunted plant that does not even reach a meter in height.

• White Star. This variety shows attractive cream-colored buds, which are distinguished by an impressive size - 20 cm. The petals have an original shape, they are sharp and slightly curved.

• Black Bird. Appeared at gardeners a long time ago. This is one example of a classic with a rich red color palette that is distinguished by a burgundy core. The maximum diameter of the basket is 15 cm.

• "Windhaven Highlight"... A plant that can look dignified in a flower bed. Shows chicken-colored buds during flowering, wide enough to stand out from the brighter dahlias.

• "Jessica". Large-sized variety with impressive flowers. On the edge of the yellow ones are yellow petals, with a red edging.

• Kennemerland. They are record holders for flowering with an unusual shape and shade from a palette of red flowers.

• Hale Bopp. A fringed lemon-colored variety.

Shrub dahlias of this species differ in such a way as a double inflorescence of large diameter. Plants are tall, up to 1.5 m, baskets up to 25 cm in diameter. The petals along the edge are not completely turned inside out, only to the middle, hence the name. If you want to have a similar flower in your flower bed, you should choose from the following varieties.

• "Aitara Success"... This dahlia will delight you not only with the compactness of the bush, since it belongs to medium-sized plants, but also with the harmony in the color of the flower basket.

• Adlerstein. Quite tall shrub dahlias with large flowers of a bright shade, a cross between orange and yellow.

• "Ice Princess"... The width of the snow-white baskets of this representative of the genus is 15 cm.

• Andrew Mitchell. One of those flowers that can demonstrate not only very bright inflorescences, but also large ones. The diameter of the basket is 20 cm; on the flowerbed, it stands out in a deep red color.

• "Anna"... This dahlia was bred by a German breeder and has a unique peach-colored buds.

• Black Touch. It has very dark, burgundy flowers, almost black in the middle.

• Advance. Densely double dahlia, lemon shade, with a slight blush. The petals are slightly curly.

• Belle of Barmera. Has a color that is a cross between pink and orange.

It is worth saying that there are no midgets in the international classification, since florists have recently paid attention to dahlias of this species. They are grown as annuals, the bushes appear from seeds, which allows for early flowering. There is no need to pinch the bushes.

Of the most famous varieties, the following are worth noting.

• "White midget"... The flower is very compact in shape, on which white baskets of small diameter with a yellow core are formed.

• "Funny boys". Shrub, the height of which does not reach more than 30 cm. On a dahlia during the flowering period, simple, terry baskets appear, the colors can be different.

• "N-Snezhny". An excellent solution for a windowsill. The buds are white with a green tint, densely double.

This is the type of dahlias whose inflorescences are difficult to classify specifically to any group.

• Bishop of Llanduff. A plant with purple leaves and deep red flowers.

• "Pink Giraffe". A variety that should be noted for originality, as it has pink petals that are slightly curved. The shrub usually grows up to a meter in height, the baskets are formed up to 12 cm in diameter.

• Vancouver. It will delight you with a lilac shade on the petals with a delicate pink border.

There are many beautiful varieties of dahlias, each breeder has his own preferences in this direction. Let's look at some of the most interesting examples.

• Cornel is one of the most productive and reliable varieties. The plants produce long, strong stems ideal for making bouquets. The flower has dark cherry red petals that resemble velvet.

• "Bronze Cornell" has bronze petals of a warm palette.

• Chimacum Night is a beautiful mahogany-colored flower that blooms profusely throughout the season. Medium globular flowers flaunt on tall, sturdy stems.

• "Krikhton Honey" Is a shrub with warm, peach-apricot flowers that look like they are shining in the sun.

• Genoa is a new variety, which quickly became in demand among plant breeders. The bushes produce beautiful lavender flowers with a white center.

• "Jomanda" - orange-colored dahlia with contrasting dark stems.

• SNO Doris is awarded one of the best dahlias. The shrub is distinguished by vigorous vertical growth, has long strong stems and spherical flowers. The bloom is beautiful, the palette is something mixed between coral, peach and apricot.

• Suncrest - a variety that has canary yellow, globular flowers and a faint peach-pink blush at the ends of the petals.

• "Intrigue" - a decorative flower, which is one of the first to bloom every season. The flowers are coral at first, then turn into crimson.

• "Terracotta" - a cactus variety, a shade of warm brown. Long, sturdy stems are ideal for bouquets.

• Chimacum Nadjae showcases coral flowers of a warm palette that delight all summer. The presented variety is a great addition to a flower garden.

• Café au Lait demonstrates massive decorative baskets. Very popular with brides and wedding designers, the flowers are in a pale blush shade.

• "Sherwood's Peach" - here the large peach petals are accentuated by a soft purple haze. Large bushes are completely covered with flowers.

• Hamari Gold - This giant blooming dahlia showcases the buds painted in a shade of bronze. Plants reach a meter in height and are especially striking in their beauty in autumn.

How to care for dahlias, see below.