I love Dahlias but often when I mention my favourites, people assume they are all the large dinner plate or cactus flowering types. I am a big fan of the collarette dahlias like Moonlight Mist, Alpen Cherub and Wheels. What I have found over the years is it is easier for the bees to reach the pollen on the collarettes as its so visible. Dahlias are a popular cut flower here with many of our farmers growing them to sell as cut flowers at the Ladner Village Market and at farm stands. Their beauty makes them a good choice for weddings and special events. What I love about them is their bloom time. If planted out in May they will be blooming by mid July and continue until first frost. Today I am showcasing six of my favourite dahlias that you should add to your garden.
This is Dahlia ‘Louise’ which was bought as a bedding plant a couple of years ago. In its first growing season the plant produced a large tuber which I store over the winter and plant out in the spring. Dahlia ‘Louise’ is a border plant reaching about 12″ high and about 12″ wide. Its hot pink flowers with white edges make it a choice plant for the front of the border.
Dahlia ‘Clearview Claret’ is new to the garden this year. I took a tour of Ferncliff Gardens last fall with the South Delta Garden Club and couldn’t resist buying some more tubers. The red flowers are about 6″ across and its considered a medium-sized dahlia. Look closely at the photo above and you will see it has deep purple stems which add to the plants interest.
Dahlia ‘Yellow Passion’ has huge lemony coloured flowers. The flowers are about 6″ across and you only need one to create a bouquet. In my west coast garden, this Dahlia grows to about 4′ high and 2′ wide so it needs some room.
Dahlia ‘Moonlight Mist’ has really come into its own over the years. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked it as it didn’t do well where it was. All it needed was more sun. I love the pale yellow flowers on this collarette dahlia. It’s not quite as bold as Dahlia ‘Yellow Passion’ but is easier to use in bouquets.
Above is Dahlia ‘Snoho Sonia,’ another newcomer to the garden. Although its classed as lavender I find its more pink than expected. It grows to about 3′ high. I love the ball shape of this flower. On this flower bees tunnel inside each curved petal in order to find pollen.
Still at the top of the list is Dahlia ‘Mango Sunset’ which is the most prolific bloomer of them all. This cactus dahlia is a wonderful orange colour and I have it planted with orange and pink zinnias this year. This dahlia never disappoints me in the garden.
