Dahlia Silver Years

Dahlia 'Silver Years' is a very beautiful variety. Its camellia-like flowers take on white-pink tones, which contrast perfectly with its beautiful bronze-green foliage. This medium-sized variety will work wonders in the garden. Its blooms are also perfect for bouquets. It is in flower until October-November.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. There are currently thousands of horticultural varieties that have conquered gardens worldwide. Dahlia varieties are classified according to the shape of their heads.

'Silver Years' is a decorative variety with camellia-like flowers, whose heads are quite flat and fully double. The plant will reach 90cm (35in) in height and 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in width. It has a bushy and erect habit, and its leaves are opposite and divided into denticulate lobes. The leaves and stems are of a remarkable dark green colour. It flowers from July until October-November, if faded flowers are regularly removed. The inflorescences display rows of slightly curled outer ligules. The heads are perfectly constructed, measuring about 12cm (5in) in diameter. The magnificent white flowers are tinged with pale-pink, which is almost iridescent in bright light. They bear a heart infused with white-cream. The golden heart only appears late, just before fading.

'Silver Years' will look wonderful planted near the house, or in a large pot on a patio. Plant it in a pastel scene, emerging from a procession of small blue flowers (perennial flax, asters, perennial Geranium 'Blue Cloud', Anchusa azurea) and grey foliage (cineraria, bushy wormwood). It also pairs well with the delicate heads of Buenos Aires verbena. Planted en masse, this dahlia will create colourful spots with echinaceas, cosmos, sedums, and salvias. Pennisetum villosum, violet gladioli, or Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues' will add softness and delicacy to the decor. The same combinations will be successful in homemade bouquets.

Dahlias are stars of borders and ornamental gardens, confidently accompanying the most beautiful flowers. However, they are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste qualities quickly saw it categorised as an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.