Dahlia Beauty Queen

The Dahlia 'Beauty Queen' is a variety of Dahlia known as a 'ball' Dahlia, as charming as it is mischievous. Not all the flowers are identical, the first ones to bloom are already charming in their pink makeup, but "incomplete", while those that follow, fully double, are beauty queens. Their colour is nuanced, dominated by an antique pink towards the centre, and their shape evokes that of the most beautiful chrysanthemums. The plant, of medium stature, blooms abundantly from summer to frost, on long and sturdy stems, with an impeccable presence in bouquets as well as in flower beds.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico, and bear inflorescences in heads, which we commonly call 'flowers'. Currently, the thousands of horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens all over the world.
The 'Beauty Queen' variety reaches a height of about 1.10m (4ft) and a diameter of 50-60cm (20-24in) after 3 to 4 months of cultivation. It is classified among the Dahlias of the decorative group with Ball type flowers. In this category, the heads are without a visible centre, and they are composed of numerous petals (ligules) regularly arranged and completely rolled up on themselves, tubular, never flaring. This includes varieties that form true balls, such as pompoms (diameter less than 6cm (2in)) and balls (diameter greater than 6cm (2in)). The heads of this 'Beauty Queen' variety generally measure 10cm (4in) in diameter. The plant has an upright and bushy habit. The flowering of this variety starts in July and ends in October-November, if care is taken to remove faded flowers or make bouquets regularly. The stems, very branched, long, and sturdy, are hollow and the leaves are opposite, pinnatisect, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 very toothed lobes. The leaves here are a medium green, and the stems are more or less tinged with brown.

To promote repeat flowering, take care to remove faded flowers, or even better, regularly make large colourful bouquets by associating it with other varieties. 'Beauty Queen' produces absolutely charming flowers in bouquets. In a vase, combine it with Scabious, lilies, and hydrangea flowers. Its long, heavily flowered stems allow for beautiful bouquets late in the season. In flower beds, this Dahlia forms beautiful combinations with autumn asters and bush roses.

A star plant for borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers, but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities relegated it to the status of an ornamental plant. The Dahlia, with its infinitely varied shapes and colours, is now considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden.