Dahlia Dutch Delight

Dahlia 'Dutch Delight' is characterised by small, tousled flowers with pointed petals, ranging from different shades of pink around a yellow-tinted centre. This range of pink stretches from the most delicate tones to deep, dark shades. Its sturdy stems do not bend under the weight of the flowers and are perfect for making bouquets. Abundant and prolonged flowering, from July until the first frost, allows for beautiful combinations in floral arrangements.

Dahlias are tuberous plants belonging to the large Asteraceae family, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, there are thousands of horticultural varieties that have conquered gardens worldwide. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their flowers. 'Dutch Delight' is classified in the category of decorative dahlias. In this group, the coloured ligules of the capitulum are arranged regularly in a spiral, curved towards the stem or even fringed, for example. In this variety, the capitula measure 11cm (4in) in diameter and the ligules are pointed and slightly fringed. The flowering occurs from July to October-November. The plant reaches a height of about 90cm (35in), and a width of 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in), with a bushy and upright habit. The branched stems are hollow. The leaves are opposite and pinnatisect, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which form denticulate lobes. The leaves are a fairly dark green and the stems are tinged with purple.

To extend the flowering period and promote new blooms, take care to remove faded flowers. Even better, cut them regularly to create attractive colourful bouquets by combining several varieties. Lighten the silhouette of decorative dahlias by combining them with more airy flowers such as gauras, salvias, or echinaceas. Fine-leaved plants like grasses play the same role, in addition to adding beautiful golden spikes. Place 'Dutch Delight' in the middle of a bed of bushes and lower perennials. Bushes with purple foliage, such as loropetalum, form a beautiful setting for this pink variety.

As a star plant in borders and kitchen gardens, dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities assigned it the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.