If you are searching for the most versatile flower possible to grace a vase, you couldn't do much better than dahlias. Celebrated for their myriad colors, size, and petals, this flower family lends itself to fabulous arrangements. And dahlias are surprisingly easy to grow.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Dahlias
Matthew Benson
These tender, tuberous natives of Central America spend most of summer gearing up for a blaze of late-summer exuberance.
Pictured: The petals of the 'Robin Hood' and 'Rose Toscano' echo the Elizabethan ruff of the ball types.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Dahlias
Matthew Benson
Plant tubers in spring and don't water them until they sprout. When plants begin to shoot up, cut them back to encourage branching, and, subsequently, more flowers. Install stakes at planting time to shoulder those hefty, bud-laden branches.
Pictured: The cactus flower-like 'Redd Devil' dahlia.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Dahlias
Matthew Benson
Cutting keeps the flowers coming, so harvest frequently as the blossoms unfurl (tight buds won't open). Then get stems into hot tap water when they're still freshly cut to keep them perky for many days of luscious glory.
Pictured: The petals of K-Andy resemble the folds of the collarettes.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Dahlias
Matthew Benson
The "dinner plate" of dahlias, the 'Kelvin White' variety is a startling 10-plus inches.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Dahlias
Matthew Benson
'Ginger Willo' dahlias (top shelf) have petite two-inch or smaller blossoms. Fiery red and yellow 'Kasasagi's are featured on the lower shelf. In the garden, the stature of the plants is equally vast, from low-growing edgers to back-of-the-border giants.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Dahlias
Matthew Benson
Color includes every shade except true blue (although purples abound) and parrot green, with multi-layered hues quite common in this class, as seen in the 'Babylon Bronze.'
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Dahlias
Matthew Benson
Distinctive forms unabashedly abound. The 'Jennie' dahlia features snake-tongue-tipped petals.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Dahlias
Matthew Benson
Dahlias are among the most accomodating of flowers. Once cut, they nestle easily into a bouquet. Although best known for the "ball" form, such as the 'Hamari Rose' (seen here), that's just one of their many guises.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Dahlias
Matthew Benson
Masquerading as water lilies, like the glowing yellow-and-peach 'Summer's End' dahlias seen here, as well as orchids and anemones, dahlias are delightful masters of disguise.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Dahlias
Matthew Benson
Take a tour of some lush, healthy, and colorful gardens
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