Dahlia Princess Nadine

The 'Princess Nadine' Anemone-flowered Dahlia is a variety of modest stature with pretty pink flowers infused with apricot. It produces an abundance of flowers in variable-shaped heads, composed of a more or less double ruff of peach-pink petals, wide and flat, topped with a honeycomb-like centre that tends towards yellow-brown, more or less developed. These flowers are very attractive in floral arrangements. The plant blooms for a long time, from summer to autumn, above a sturdy vegetation that does not require any staking. These qualities make it an ideal variety for cultivation in pots and for border decoration.

Dahlias are tuberous plants belonging to the large family of asters, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 75,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens all over the world. Dahlias are classified based on the shape of their flowers. 'Princess Nadine' is classified in the category of Decorative Dahlias with anemone-like flowers. In this group, the coloured ligules of the head are arranged in pompoms in the centre and surrounded by a wider ruff of ligules. In this variety, the heads are 11cm (4in) in diameter and the outer ligules, of apricot-pink colour, are almost flat, organized in a semi-double to double ruff. Those in the centre are shorter, tubular and fringed, tightly packed together like a cushion. This centre is more or less developed depending on the heads, some resembling classic decorative dahlias. The flowering takes place from July to October. The plant reaches a height of 60 to 80cm (24 to 32in), with a bushy and dense habit. The highly branched stems are hollow and the leaves are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which are toothed. The leaves are fairly dark green, while the stems are more or less purplish.

To promote repeat flowering and extend the flowering period, make sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly create charming colourful bouquets by combining various varieties. The warmly coloured flowering of this 'Princess Nadine' variety is enhanced by the foliage and delicate spikes of ornamental grasses (Briza media, Panicum, Molinia, Calamagrostis), to emphasize the contrast between the delicacy of the tall grasses and the more refined character of its flower. The flowering of Amaranthus, Agastaches, and Echinaceas is perfect as an accompaniment to the Dahlias, as they bloom simultaneously, as well as the Cosmos or perennial sages, for example.

As a star plant in ornamental gardens, Dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers. Impeccable in flower beds, they can also enhance vegetable gardens. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste qualities quickly assigned it the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.