Dahlia
Name: | Family: Asteraceae | Type Plant: Perennial tuberous plant |
Flowering time: Mid-summer to autumn (July to October) | Best time to buy: Spring – Summer | Max Height: 30-180 cm, depending on the variety |
Sun/Shadow: Full sun to partial shade | Wintergreen: Not wintergreen; tubers need to be lifted and stored in frost-free conditions during winter in colder climates | Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity and well-drained soil |
Origin
Dahlia is a beautiful and popular flower, appreciated for its blooms. Originally from Mexico, these flowers are now unmissable in homes and flower arrangements.
Characteristics
Dahlias come in many different colours, shapes and sizes. Some popular varieties include dinner plate dahlias with flat flowers and decorative dahlias with pointed petals. The strong stems of dahlias make them ideal for cutting and placing in vases.
Care
Follow these simple steps to ensure your dahlia cut flowers last a long time:
- Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem diagonally. This increases the surface area for water absorption.
- Add a bag of flower food.
- Change the water every few days and cut the stems a little each time.
- Do not place dahlia cut flowers in direct sunlight or near draughts.
Blooming time
The exact blooming time can vary depending on the variety and the climate. Most varieties flower from May through summer.