Dahlia Portofino

The Dahlia 'Portofino' is a cultivar of Dahlia "ball" that charms with its warm and deep orange color, without aggressiveness, touched with apricot at full bloom. Shaped like flattened pompoms of medium size, the alveolate flowers play with light and color perception. It is a variety of medium height that blooms from summer to frost. Its warm and soft flowers are enhanced by the flowering of asters or grasses.

The Dahlias, from the Asteraceae family, originate from botanical species native to the high plateaus of Mexico. Their inflorescences are heads, but we commonly call them "flowers". Thousands of horticultural varieties have been created by humans, with new ones added each year, much to the delight of gardeners and florists.
The 'Portofino' variety forms a clump measuring on average 1.10 m in height after 3 to 4 months of cultivation with a span of 60 cm. It is classified among the Dahlias of the decorative group with Ball type flowers. In this category, the heads have no visible center, composed of numerous regularly arranged petals (ligules) completely rolled up on themselves, tubular and never flaring out. Varieties that form true balls, such as pompons (diameter less than 6 cm) and balls (diameter greater than 6 cm), are found here. The 'Portofino' cultivar heads generally measure 10-11 cm in diameter. The plant has an upright and bushy habit. The flowering period spans from July to October, if faded flowers are removed or cut for bouquets. The very branched, long, and sturdy stems are hollow and may require staking in windy conditions. The leaves are opposite, pinnatisect, meaning they divide into 3 or 5 very dentate lobes. Here, the leaves are a medium green and the stems are tinged with purple.

The Dahlia 'Portofino' forms beautiful combinations with Verbena bonariensis, its airy purple flowers provide a strong contrast with the dark orange of 'Portofino', and their lightness balances the denser floral heads of the dahlia. The Ammi majus 'Queen of Africa', with delicate white umbels, softens the orange while giving a "chic country" style to your composition. The Achillea millefolium 'Terracotta' in terracotta and soft orange tones creates a perfect harmony with the dahlia. Also consider sowing in your border the Cosmos 'Apricot Lemonade', its flowering in a subtle blend of pale yellow and apricot perfectly matches the tones of the dahlia, while lightening it.

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 colors, is now considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden.