Dahlia Karma Sangria

The 'Karma Sangria' cactus Dahlia stands out for its brilliantly two-tone colour and the excellent durability of its large spiky flowers, which have a well-regulated architecture. It produces numerous spherical flowers from July to October, composed of long, narrow, curled, and tapered petals that combine vibrant pink becoming salmon with golden yellow. The plant, of a rather tall size, has a bushy habit that is well suited to the back of borders. Its flamboyant flowers are as beautiful in the garden as they are in summer and autumn bouquets.

Dahlias belong to the large family of Asteraceae and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. At present, the thousands of horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded gardens worldwide, much to our delight. They are perennial plants with fleshy tubers. Dahlias are classified based on the shape of their flowers. The 'Karma Sangria' Dahlia is classified in the category of cactus Dahlias, or more precisely semi-cactus Dahlias. In this group, the flowers are large, and the colourful ligules or petals that make up the flower are partially curled, giving the flower a spiky appearance. In this 'Karma Sangria' variety, the heads have a diameter of 13 to 15cm (5 to 6in) and display a very rich colour combination of fuchsia pink, salmon, and yellow. The plant reaches a height of about 1.10m (4ft) and a width of 60cm (24in), with a bushy and upright habit. The highly branched stems are hollow, and the leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which have very denticulate lobes. The leaves and stems are dark green, a shade that enhances the colour of the flowers.

To promote continuous flowering and extend the flowering period, be sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly create attractive colourful bouquets by combining various varieties. The tall stature of this variety makes it suitable for the back of perennial borders, where it pairs well with pink, deep purple, and dark purple. The flowering of Echinaceas is perfect to accompany Dahlias, as they bloom simultaneously, as well as perennial salvias, for example. Also consider grasses such as foxtail barley or Pennisetum, which are very attractive in autumn.

As the star of cottage gardens, Dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers. They look impeccable in flower beds but can also enhance vegetable gardens. In Mexico, this tuber was first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste quickly relegated it to the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.