Dahlia Night Silence

Dahlia 'Night Silence' is a variety of decorative Dahlia that is quite unique in its kind, with absolutely sumptuous powdery and soft tones. Its inflorescence, of modest size, is expressed in a colour of subtle antique pink with mauve reflections, with a touch of yellow at the base of the petals. Their reverse side is a very sophisticated dark purple. The heart of the flower, where the petals are closed and tightly packed, is therefore very dark, of the same velvety dark purple. It is a dahlia for romantic or bohemian flower beds and bouquets. Its flowers are double, well open. They are carried well above the foliage by sturdy, dark-coloured stems. The spectacle of this flowering is constantly renewed from July until the frosts.

Dahlias are tuberous plants from the large Asteraceae family, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. At present, the thousands of horticultural varieties obtained by Man have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens all over the world. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their flowers. 'Night Silence' is classified in the category of decorative dahlias. In this group, the coloured ligules of the head are regularly arranged in a spiral, they can be bent towards the stem or curled for example. In this variety, the heads measure 13cm (5in) in diameter and their ligules are rather large, widely ovate, slightly curved, almost flat, loosely arranged. The flowering takes place from July to October. The plant reaches an average height of 90cm (35in), 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 that they are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which form very denticulate lobes. The leaves are fairly dark green and the particularly sturdy stems are tinged with purple.

To promote flowering and extend the flowering period, be sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly compose attractive colourful bouquets by combining various varieties. Decorative Dahlias pair well with Gauras and Cleomes which lighten their generous silhouette. The captivating flowers of 'Night Silence' also allow many associations in floral compositions. The average size of this variety makes it suitable for the centre of mixed flower beds, with roses or to structure an ensemble composed of shrubs and lower plants. Cotinus and Loropetalum with purple foliage subtly echo its flower. The flowering of Echinaceas is perfect to accompany that of Dahlias, as well as that of perennial sages for example.

As star plants in ornamental gardens, Dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers, they are impeccable in flower beds, but can also enhance the vegetable garden. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste qualities quickly assigned it the rank of an ornamental plant.