Dahlia Preference

The 'Preference' Dahlia is a delightful variety of semi-cactus Dahlia, with flowers of modest size for a plant of this category, but with a pastel colour, soft but not dull, intermediate between pink and orange. They are fully double and composed of long petals curled in a peachy pink touched with salmon. The centre of the flower is a deeper coppery pink shade. An essential variety in the garden of a cactus Dahlia and bouquet enthusiast.

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, much to our delight, gardens worldwide. They are fleshy, tuberous perennial plants that bloom from summer until the first frost. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their flowers. The 'Preference' Dahlia is classified in the category of cactus-flowered Dahlias, or semi-cactus. In this group, the flowers are generally large, and the coloured ligules that compose them are entirely rolled up on themselves, giving them a spiky appearance. In this 'Preference' variety, the flower heads do not exceed 10-12cm (4-5in) in diameter and are composed of long, narrow, curled, and tapered ray-like petals. The plant will reach a minimum height of 1m (3ft) and a width of 50cm (20in), with a bushy and erect habit. The highly branched stems are hollow, and the leaves are opposite, pinnately divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which have very denticulate lobes. The leaves and stems are dark green.

To promote new flower growth and extend the flowering period, be sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly create attractive colourful bouquets by combining various varieties. The tall stature of this variety makes it suitable for the back of perennial plant borders, where it will blend well with all pastel shades, as well as deep violet and purple. The flowering of Echinaceas is perfect to accompany that of Dahlias, as they occur simultaneously, as well as the flowering of perennial salvias or foxtail amaranths, for example. Also, consider grasses such as foxtail barley or Pennisetum, which are very attractive in autumn.

As the star of ornamental gardens, Dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers. They look impeccable in flower beds but can also enhance vegetable gardens. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste quickly assigned it the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.