Dahlia Seduction

The 'Seduction' Camellia-flowered Dahlia is a superb plant with undeniable charm. The slightly flattened flowers of this variety resemble very double-petalled water lilies, with varying shades of pale pink, irregularly veined and sprinkled with mauve-pink, and their petals are finely edged with an elegant purple border. The heart of the flower is darkened with mauve-pink. This highly floriferous dahlia offers a long and seductive flowering period, perfect for adding an elegant and precious touch to borders or home bouquets.

Dahlias belong to the large family of asters and are originally native to the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 20,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded gardens worldwide, much to our delight. Dahlia varieties are classified based on the shape of their heads. 'Seduction' is a decorative Dahlia with camellia-like flowers. The inflorescences are composed of several rows of almost flat, slightly curled ligules. The heads are regular and generally measure 8 to 9 cm (3 to 4in) in diameter, sometimes even more (up to 15 cm (6in)). The outermost ligules are more or less pale pink to mauve-pink, veined and speckled with mauve-pink, darker towards the base and towards the centre. The mauve to violet colour randomly dominates over the very pale pink, and the purple reverse of each petal is revealed, transforming the plant into a tenderly coloured bouquet. The small yellow centre of the flowers only appears late, just before wilting. The plant easily reaches over 1 m (3ft) in height and 60 cm (24in) in width. It has an erect habit, and its tall stems often require staking. Its leaves are divided into finely denticulate lobes. The particularly long flowering period of this variety begins in July and ends in October-November, if faded flowers are removed or frequently made into bouquets.

Today, Dahlias are essential in gardens, whether ornamental or even in vegetable gardens. Initially cultivated in Mexico as a root vegetable, their poor taste quickly relegated them to the status of ornamental plants, but they are still welcome in vegetable gardens to add some colour among the vegetables. 'Seduction' is a tall plant that can be used to structure elevated borders, and can be combined with purple foliage plants such as Cotinus 'Royal Purple', Physocarpus 'Red Baron', Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'. It particularly pairs well with blue, plum, and violet flowers.