Dahlia Melody Dixie

The Dahlia 'Melody Dixie', like all the decorative dahlias from the 'Melody' series, is a modest but generous plant, whose flowering is a feast for the eyes. Each of its inflorescences unfolds multiple petals in a beautifully bicoloured palette, combining cream-white and a lovely gradient of purple-lilac. The flowers are very double, globular, well-rounded, and they succeed each other from summer to autumn above a dark green and densely leafy bush.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. At present, the some 25,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, to our greatest pleasure, gardens all over the world. They are herbaceous plants that are perennial through their underground tubers that rest during winter.
The 'Melody Dixie' variety is a semi-dwarf Dahlia, it will not exceed 60 cm (24in) in height by 50 cm (20in) in width. It is also classified among the decorative Dahlias, which is a horticultural category defined by the shape of the flower. In this group, the coloured ligules of the head are regularly arranged in a spiral, they can be curved towards the stem or curled, for example. The 'Melody Dixie' flowers in heads are about 12 cm (5in) in diameter. The outermost ligules are lilac in colour, surrounding cream-white ligules with the same edge, and those in the centre are bordered by purple-violet. The golden heart of the flower only appears late, just before wilting. The flowering takes place from July to October. The habit is bushy and compact, not requiring staking. The very branching stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite, pinnately divided, meaning they are subdivided into 3 or 5 very toothed lobes. The leaves and stems are dark green.

To promote repeat flowering, take care to remove faded flowers, or even better, regularly make large colourful bouquets by associating it with other varieties. 'Melody Dixie' goes particularly well with pink, blue, mauve or violet flowers. At the front of borders, this Dahlia will form colourful spots in the company of Echinaceas, for example, which bloom at the same time, as well as Daylilies or Asters. This modest-sized variety is particularly suitable for pot cultivation, to easily adorn the terrace or balcony.

As a star plant in borders and ornamental gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers, but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities quickly assigned it to the rank of an ornamental plant. Their beautiful exuberance still charms today's gardeners.