Dahlia Dr Ph. Riedell

The Dahlia 'Dr Ph. Riedel', sometimes spelled 'Dr. P.H Riedell', is an old variety of decorative dahlia that has never disappeared from catalogues since 1966, when it won a Silver Cup in Stuttgart. Its medium-sized flowers display beautiful shades of orange and are carried by perfectly matched brown stems and are produced abundantly between summer and early autumn. A reliable choice, to be paired with red flowers or the blond spikes of grasses.

The Dahlias are part of the large family of asteraceae. Dahlia varieties are classified according to the shape of their heads. 'Dr P.H Riedel' is a Dahlia from the decorative group with camellia-like flowers. The terminal inflorescences, called heads, are 12 cm (5in) wide and carried by dark stems. They are flattened, composed of several rows of almost flat outer ligules. The colour of the flowers changes throughout the day, combining different shades of orange, ranging from bright to soft, with a golden or salmon pink hue in the centre and along the edges. The small yellow centre only appears late, just before wilting. The plant will reach approximately 1.10 m (4ft) in height and 60 cm (24in) in width. It has an upright habit and its tall stems may require staking. Its beautiful dark green leaves are divided into highly denticulate lobes. The particularly long flowering period of this variety begins in July and ends in October-November, if faded flowers are removed or frequently used in bouquets.

Today, Dahlias are essential in gardens, whether it be ornamental gardens or even vegetable gardens. They were initially cultivated in Mexico as a root vegetable. Their poor taste quickly relegated them to the status of ornamental plants, but they are still welcome in vegetable gardens to add a splash of colour among the vegetables. 'Dr P.H Riedel' is a superb plant that can be used to structure elevated beds, and can be paired with purple foliage, for example (Cotinus 'Royal Purple', Physocarpus 'Red Baron', Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'). It pairs particularly well with red, blue, plum, and even chocolate-coloured flowers.

At the first frost, dahlia bulbs should be stored in a dry place, protected from light and frost.