Dahlia Justyna

The Dahlia 'Justynia' is one of those varieties of Decorative Dahlias with flowers resembling water lilies whose softly fruity colours charm today's gardeners. Far from the huge, strikingly coloured heads of their ancestors, their inflorescences, of modest size, are both precious and more natural, displaying beautifully acidulated shades, both in beds and in bouquets. 'Justynia' flowers have a lovely mix of soft orange-yellow and pink, with a bright pink centre. They are carried well above the foliage on sturdy, burgundy-coloured stems.

Dahlias are tuberous plants belonging to the large Asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. At present, the thousands of horticultural varieties have invaded gardens all over the world, much to our delight. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their flowers. 'Justynia' is classified in the category of Decorative Dahlias. In this group, the coloured ligules of the head are arranged regularly in a spiral, they can be curved towards the stem or fringed for example. In this variety, the rounded heads measure between 12 and 14cm (5 and 6in) in diameter and their ligules are rather large, widely ovate, almost flat, arranged regularly. Flowering occurs from July to October-November. Depending on the ripeness of the flower, the orange-yellow colour of this variety can take different shades, lighter or darker, with the centre of the inflorescence always leaning towards pink-red, almost fuchsia. The plant will reach an average height of 1.10m (4ft) and 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in width, with a bushy and erect habit. The very branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which form very denticulate lobes. The leaves are fairly dark green and the stems, sturdy, tinged with reddish-brown.

To promote repeat flowering and extend the flowering period, take care to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly create attractive colourful bouquets by combining various varieties. Decorative Dahlias go well with Gauras and Cleomes which will lighten their generous silhouette. The vibrant flowers of 'Justynia' also allow for numerous combinations in floral arrangements. The medium size of this variety makes it suitable for the centre of mixed borders, to structure a composition made up of bushes with colourful foliage (dwarf Cotinus, compact Winged Euonymus, Loropetalum) and smaller plants. The flowering of Echinaceas is perfect alongside Dahlias, as they flower at the same time, as well as perennial salvias for example. Also consider ornamental grasses (Briza media, Stipa arundinacea, Eragrostis trichodes) which take on beautiful colours in autumn.

The star plant of well-tended gardens, Dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers, they are perfect in a flowering bed, but can also enhance a vegetable garden. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste qualities quickly assigned it the status of an ornamental plant.