Dahlia Erna Panzer

The 'Erna Panzer' Decorative Dahlia is characterized by small but well-formed and beautifully coloured flowers in salmon pink with a yellow and fuchsia centre. This variety develops not very tall, sturdy stems that do not bend under the weight of the flowers and are perfect for making bouquets. It has a plentiful and prolonged flowering period, from July until the first frost, allowing for beautiful combinations in floral arrangements.

Dahlias are tuberous plants from the large aster family and are originally native to the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the thousands of horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded gardens around the world, much to our delight. Dahlias are classified based on the shape of their flowers. 'Erna Panzer' is classified in the category of Decorative Dahlias. In this group, the coloured ligules of the head are arranged regularly in a spiral, and they can be curved towards the stem or even fringed. In this variety, the heads only measure 8cm (3in) in diameter and their ligules are rather small, oval, concave, and arranged regularly. The flowering period is from July to October-November. The plant will reach about 80cm (32in) in height and 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in width, with a bushy and erect 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 are fairly dark green, and the stems are more or less tinged with purple.

To promote continuous flowering and extend the flowering period, make sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly create attractive colourful bouquets by combining various varieties. Decorative Dahlias pair well with Gauras and Cleomes, which will lighten their generous silhouette. 'Erna Panzer' flowers also make wonderful bouquets with roses and grasses. This medium-sized variety is suitable for the centre of mixed flower beds, to structure a composition of bushy plants and lower-growing plants. The flowering of Echinaceas is perfect to accompany that of Dahlias, as they bloom simultaneously, as do perennial salvias, for example.

As star plants in ornamental gardens, Dahlias are undeniably beautiful flowers. They are perfect in flower beds but can also enhance vegetable gardens. In Mexico, these tuberous plants were initially cultivated as root vegetables for consumption. Their poor taste quickly relegated them to the status of ornamental plants. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.