Dahlia is considered to be one of the most spectacular autumn flowers. In fact, there is a great variety of the dahlia forms. From the showy dinner-plate size to the bright, little single ones. The first species of dahlia imported into Europe were Dahlia pinnata, Dahlia rosea and Dahlia coccinea.
The striking blooms of these tuberous plants start to open in summer, but are at their best from August to September, bridging gaps in borders as other perennials begin to tire. Dahlia flowers range in extraordinary rich colours, making them useful for creating an exotic effect in the hot-coloured borders.
Did You Know?
- The dahlia is named after Swedish 18th-century botanist Anders Dahl.
- The dahlia is the official flower of the city of Seattle.
- Dahlia bulbs are a subterranean root system, comprising many distinct tubers, each a separate lump. These allow the dahlia plant to mature year after year without the need of seed or spores. To sprout the next season, each tuber must have one eye.