Dahlia Urchin

The Dahlia 'Urchin' is a variety that will particularly appeal to bouquet enthusiasts with its beautiful deep raspberry-red flowers whose pattern evokes large sea urchins. The plant forms a very floriferous bush from summer until the first cold weather. Its lace cactus-shaped flowers have numerous petals, tightly curled, with tapered ends, in which light brings out beautiful nuances. Pair it with pastel-colored roses and delphiniums, for example.

Dahlias are part of the asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. At present, the thousands of horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens all over the world. They are tender perennials with fleshy tubers. The 'Urchin' variety was registered in the Netherlands in 2022. It won the Florists' Prize at the 34th International Dahlia Competition in Paris in 2022. The plant will reach approximately 1 m (3ft) in height, depending on the growing conditions, with a spread of 60 cm (24in). This Urchin variety is classified among Cactus Dahlias, more precisely lace cactus dahlias; this is a horticultural category defined by the shape of the flower. In this group, the colored ligules of the head curl completely, giving them a characteristic pointed appearance, and their tips appear to have been forked. Flowering begins in July and ends in October-November. The semi-erect heads measure 15 cm (6in) in diameter. The color of the ligules or petals is a dark red-violet to dark purple-red. The habit is bushy and erect, and the highly branched stems are hollow. Its leaves are opposite, pinnately lobed, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 strongly toothed lobes. The leaves are green and the stems are purple.

To extend the flowering period and promote repeat flowering, be sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly cut them to compose attractive colorful bouquets by combining several varieties.

The Dahlia 'Urchin' pairs particularly well with white and pink blooms, especially those of repeat-flowering roses. In borders, it will perfectly match delphiniums, the Blue Cloud perennial geranium, pink Echinaceas, pastel Cosmos, for example. With grasses such as Miscanthus, it will also create a lovely original mix.

As a star plant in borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers, but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities relegated it to the rank of ornamental plant.