Dahlia Liquid Desire

The Collaret Dahlia 'Liquid Desire' is a "Mignon" type dahlia (semi-dwarf) that could have inspired Monet with its almost simple flowers whose petals, like colours applied with broad brush strokes, range from intense purple-red to magenta with a pink edge. And its never-ending flowering appeals to both flower enthusiasts and bees attracted to its large golden heart, lasting until October. Its modest-sized flowers display a hint of a collar, more discreet than those of other varieties in this group. Rather stocky, this plant performs wonderfully in flower beds or large borders. And its flowers are sublime in a vase. 

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 75,000 horticultural varieties created by humans have taken over gardens worldwide, much to our delight. The dahlia is a perennial herbaceous plant thanks to its tuber, a storage organ that allows it to survive the dormant and dry season.
The 'Liquid Desire' variety, registered in 2020, is classified among Collaret Dahlias, which is a horticultural category defined by the shape of the flower. In this group, the coloured ligules of the head are regularly arranged in a crown, surrounding a collar of small petals around the central disc. The flower heads of 'Liquid Desire' are about 7-8cm (3in) in diameter. The flowering period is from July to October. The habit is bushy, with the plant reaching approximately 60cm (24in) in height and may require staking. The highly branched stems are hollow, and the leaves are opposite, pinnately divided into 3 or 5 highly toothed lobes. The leaves and stems are a fairly dark green. 

To encourage repeat flowering, make sure to remove faded flowers, or even better, regularly make large colorful bouquets by combining it with other varieties. 'Liquid Desire' pairs particularly well with white flowers (foxgloves, baby's breath) or mauve flowers (Nepetas, Agastache 'Serpentine', Anchusa 'Dropmore'). The dark foliage of Physocarpus or Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing' also beautifully enhances its colourful flowers.  

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 led it to be classified as an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.