Dahlia Victoria Ann

Dahlia 'Victoria Ann', placed in the category of decorative dahlias, is a large-flowered variety of impressive size. The white ligules, edged and tipped with amethyst, have a luminous effect that will complement your summer-flowering borders and brighten up the autumn.

Dahlias belong to the large family of Asteraceae and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 20,000 horticultural varieties created by humans have arrived in gardens around the world, much to our delight. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their heads. The flowers of decorative dahlias are thicker than they are wide and are often large in size. The heads of 'Victoria Ann' are 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in diameter, full and fully double. Numerous rows of ligules overlap. Those in the lower layers are revolute (turned towards the stem), while those in the upper layers are inflexed towards the centre. They are delicately edged and tipped with amethyst and slightly concave, with a touch of lime green at the base to perfect their uniqueness. The shorter central florets form an amethyst button.

The dense, bushy silhouette reaches a height of 120 cm (47in) and a width of 80 cm (32in). The highly branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite and pinnatisect, meaning they have very denticulate lobes. As a large variety, it is important to ensure that its width is reinforced to strengthen it or to stake it.
Dahlias have an exceptionally long flowering period, starting in July and ending in October. To encourage repeat flowering and extend this period, be sure to remove faded flowers. Better yet, regularly cut them to create attractive colourful bouquets by combining different varieties. Dahlias are easy to grow but require some maintenance as the tubers need to be stored during winter. In the back of the border, the feathery foliage of bronze fennel and diamond grass will enhance the texture of your giant Dahlia varieties. The colors of 'Victoria Ann' will go well with purples and lime greens. They will also blend perfectly with a mix of dahlias and grasses for a cheerful autumn scene.