Dahlia Jeanne d Arc

The Dahlia 'Jeanne d'Arc' is distinguished by its particularly bright cactus flowers, in a candid pink color, very fresh, warmed by a cream-colored heart. From July to October, it produces highly double flowers, composed of long, narrow, curled and tapered petals, with a very regular appearance. The flower's center is infused with yellow. The plant, of medium size, has a bushy habit that is well-suited for the back of flower beds. Its pure flowers are superb in summer and autumn bouquets.

Dahlias belong to the large family of asteraceae, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded gardens around the world, much to our delight. They are perennial plants with fleshy tubers. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their flowers. The Dahlia 'Jeanne d'Arc', widely planted in our gardens, is classified in the category of cactus-flowered Dahlias. In this group, the flowers are large, and the colored ligules that compose them are entirely rolled up on themselves, giving them a spiky appearance. In this Jeanne d'Arc variety, the heads are 15 cm (6in) in diameter and display a very pastel color, combining a dominant fresh pink with a more pronounced yellow center. The plant will reach a minimum height of 1m (3ft), and a width of 60 cm (24in), with a bushy and erect habit. The highly branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which have very denticulate lobes. The leaves and stems are dark green, a shade that enhances the color of the flowers.

To promote reblooming and extend the flowering period, make sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly create attractive colorful bouquets by combining various varieties. The tall stature of this variety makes it suitable for the back of perennial flower beds, where it will blend well with pink, blue, and purple. The light flowering of asters is perfect when accompanied by dahlias, as they bloom simultaneously, as well as cleomes and gauras, for example. Also consider ornamental grasses like foxtail barley or panicum, which are very attractive in autumn.

Dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers, making them the stars of ornamental gardens, but they can also enhance vegetable gardens. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste qualities quickly relegated it to the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.