Discover the best cactus dahlias
An explosion of colours
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Characteristics with their elongated petals, Cactus Dahlias, classics of our grandmothers’ gardens, are making a comeback. This is a horticultural category defined by the very graphic pointed flower shape, resembling cactus thorns.
When it comes to planting, tall varieties are often used in the background of flowering beds, such as in the vegetable garden where their large flowers, measuring 12 to 20 cm, provide an interesting focal point. Dwarf cactus dahlias, which are shorter, are more commonly planted in the front row of beds to flower borders or pots on a sunny terrace. All create large summer bouquets.
Dahlia cactus dentate ‘Clair Obscur’, ‘Nenekasi‘ or ‘Chat noir’, discover how to choose well among our best varieties!
Cactus flower dahlia
Cactus Dahlias, classics of cottage gardens, offer an abundant and spectacular flowering from July until the frost. The flowers of Cactus Dahlias are unmistakable: very full, double with their elongated and pointed petals partially or completely curled, they measure from 12 to 20 cm for the largest. The shape may differ slightly depending on the variety. But all have a beautifully tousled appearance.
Some occasionally feature petals ending in forked tips, characteristic of the “Lace Cactus” flowers also known as Fimbriata Dahlia. Semi-cactus varieties have similar flowers but with narrower ligules that are less tightly curled.
Very colourful, the flowers are often bicoloured with a contrasting centre and tips (Lace Cactus Dahlia ‘Clair Obscur’), of homogeneous colour (‘Chat Noir’), or in subtle shades (‘Nenekasi’).
The flowers of dwarf Cactus Dahlias are replicas of those of the tall varieties, with a smaller diameter.
Their opulent flowers are spectacular in summer and autumn bouquets.
Dahlia ‘Jaxon’-‘Mels Orange Marmalade’ -‘Myrtles folly’-Dahlia ‘Pinelands prince’ –
Dwarf or tall?
Among Cactus Dahlias there are tall forms and low varieties, each with their own qualities. The taller ones will provide a surprising focal point at the back of a flowerbed or in the vegetable garden. Dwarf cactus dahlias will be perfect for borders or the foreground of a flowerbed.
- Tall Cactus Dahlias are perfect for adding height and structuring flowerbeds with their stems that can reach up to 1.30 m high, bearing flowers with long, narrow, ribbon-like petals in various vibrant colours. They may require staking. Remarkable from a distance, they create an interesting focal point for the back or middle of flowerbeds or in vegetable gardens.
- Dwarf Cactus Dahlias, not exceeding 60 cm in height, create splashes of radiant colours in the foreground of flowerbeds or along borders and make a stunning display in pots on a terrace or balcony. They are low-maintenance and require no staking, pinching, or pruning. They are more resilient to the elements and remain unfazed by the wind. Mini size but maximum benefits!
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Structure your borders with tall Cactus Dahlias
Cactus Dahlias stand out in the garden with their tall stems bearing large, highly double, vividly coloured flowers that bloom all summer long until the first frosts.
They form vigorous, bushy clumps and are well-suited for structuring the back or middle of perennial plant borders. These tall or medium-sized varieties will reach a minimum height of 1.10 m, even up to 1.50 m, and 60 to 80 cm in width, requiring staking.
Echinaceas, Heleniums, Cosmos, Salvias, and grasses such as Foxtail Barley, Miscanthus, or Pennisetum will accompany the flowering of Cactus Dahlias.
Our favourites
Dahlia Friguolet
- Flowering time August to December
- Height at maturity 1,30 m
Dahlia Nenekasi
- Flowering time August to December
- Height at maturity 1,10 m
Dahlia Clair Obscur
- Flowering time August to November
- Height at maturity 1,20 m
Dahlia Wittemans Best
- Flowering time August to December
- Height at maturity 1,30 m
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Dahlias: best for making bouquetsFlourish your borders with Dwarf Cactus Dahlias
From 40 to 60 cm in height, Dwarf Cactus Dahlias form compact bushes covered from summer to the first frosts with large flowers featuring slender petals in multiple colours. They require no staking, pinching, or pruning and withstand the elements and wind without faltering.
Their small size makes them essential, grouped in threes or fives along the edges of borders mixed with other varieties of dahlias, as well as with Asters, Daylilies, and small grasses.
Our favourites
Dahlia Park Idylle
- Flowering time August to December
- Height at maturity 40 cm
Dahlia Aspen
- Flowering time August to December
- Height at maturity 40 cm
In flowering pots
A very compact foliage combined with beautiful floribundity are two assets that make the modestly sized Cactus Dahlias particularly well-suited for pot cultivation. Covered in small, tousled flowers, they will easily adorn any terrace or balcony throughout the summer and into autumn.
Mix these small varieties together to create spectacular planters. Pair them with fluffy small grasses like Stipa pennata, or with Asters that have an exuberant flowering.
Our favourites
Dahlia Playa Blanca
- Flowering time August to November
- Height at maturity 60 cm
Dahlia Blue Record
- Flowering time August to November
- Height at maturity 60 cm
In a vase for making bouquets
Very large (up to 20 cm in diameter), frilled, very double, rounded, the flowers of the very colourful Cactus Dahlias (‘Encore’) are often bicoloured or in subtle shades (‘Bora Bora’) make generous summer and autumn bouquets with a quaint charm, a bit nonchalant with lilies or roses. Their huge capitula also stand alone in uniflorous compositions.
Our favourites
Dahlia Color Spectacle
- Flowering time August to December
- Height at maturity 1,10 m
Dahlia Bora Bora
- Flowering time August to November
- Height at maturity 1 m
Dahlia Wittemans Best
- Flowering time August to December
- Height at maturity 1,30 m
Ensure beautiful floral displays
Cut without guilt: the more you cut the flowers of the dahlia, the more the plant produces new ones. To encourage further flowering and extend the flowering period, be sure to cut off faded flowers and remove some flower buds as soon as they appear. And… regularly create colourful bouquets with your Cactus Dahlias!
Dahlia Semi Cactus ‘Witteman’s Best’
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