Dahlia Dahlia Andrea Lawson

The Dahlia 'Andrea Lawson' is a variety of Dahlia known as 'ball' that will charm with its well-rounded medium-sized flowers, pastel colour, and lovely honeycomb pattern. On the flower, each petal of pure white is discreetly edged in lavender mauve, while the center is touched with lilac pink. The plant, of beautiful stature, blooms abundantly from summer to frost. Stunning in flower beds, its flowers are also perfect for bouquets.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico, and bear inflorescences in heads, commonly called 'flowers'. Currently, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, much to our delight, gardens around the world.
The 'Andrea Lawson' variety was introduced in England in 2004. The plant will measure approximately 1.20 m (4ft) in height and 70 cm (28in) in diameter after 3 to 4 months of cultivation. It is classified as a decorative Dahlia of the Ball flower type. In this category, the heads are without a visible center and composed of numerous petals (ligules) regularly arranged and completely rolled up, tubular, and never flaring. It includes varieties that form true balls, like pompons (diameter less than 6 cm (2in)) and balls (diameter greater than 6 cm (2in)). The heads of this Andrea Lawson variety measure between 8 and 10 cm (3 and 4in) in diameter. The flowering of this variety begins in July and ends in October-November, if care is taken to remove faded flowers or make bouquets frequently. The very branched, long and sturdy stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite, pinnately divided into 3 or 5 deeply toothed lobes. The leaves here are a fairly dark green, just like the stems.

To promote reblooming, take care to remove faded flowers, or even better, regularly make large colourful bouquets by associating it with other varieties. 'Andrea Lawson' produces pastel flowers, with discreet elegance, magnificent in romantic bouquets, in the company of cactus-type varieties, white (My Love) or pale pink (Preference). This variety will be highlighted among the foliage of fennel or lady's mantle. In flower beds, this Dahlia will also accompany pastel-colored perpetual roses or pink asters. Its long, highly flowered stems allow for bouquets until late in the season.

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 first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. But its poor taste qualities relegated it to the rank of ornamental plant. The Dahlia, with its infinitely varied shapes and colors, is now considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden.