Dahlia Bon Odori

Dahlia 'Bon Odori' is a variety of Dahlia with anemone-like flowers that truly stands out. It is one of those unique creations that captivate plant enthusiasts with their whimsical architecture and variegated colors. This dahlia produces medium-sized flowers composed of a 'skirt' of white petals striped with red, topped with a large frilly cream-coloured heart. It blooms from summer until the first frost on a bushy plant of medium stature.

Dahlias are tuberous plants belonging to the large aster family, originally native to the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties created by humans have invaded gardens worldwide, much to our delight. Dahlias are classified based on the shape of their flowers. 'Bon Odori' is classified as a decorative dahlia with anemone-like flowers. In this group, the colorful ligules of the head are arranged in pompons in the centre and surrounded by a wider collar. In this variety, the flower heads measure 10cm (4in) in diameter, and the outermost ligules are trailing, randomly striped and streaked with bright red. Those in the centre are much shorter and tubular, tightly packed together like a large cream-coloured cushion. The flowering period is from July (sometimes as early as late June) to October. The plant will reach about 1m (3ft) in height, 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 and stems are a medium green.

To promote reblooming and extend the flowering period, make sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly create attractive colourful bouquets by combining different varieties. The unusual flowering of this variety deserves to be highlighted by the foliage and airy spikes of grasses (Briza media, Panicum, Molinia, Calamagrostis), to emphasize the contrast between the delicacy of the tall grasses and the sophistication of its flower. The flowering of Amaranthus and Echinaceas is perfect to accompany that of Dahlias, as they occur simultaneously, as well as the flowering of Cosmos or perennial salvias, for example.

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