Dahlia Caproz Josephine

The Dahlia fimbriata 'Caproz Josephine' is a semi-cactus lace variety. The petals are very delicate, partially rolled up on themselves, and twisted, frilly. The large flower displays a beautiful blend of soft colours, cream-white at the centre and vibrant pink-purple at the tips. The flower's centre is a soft lime green-yellow. The bush blooms from July to October and provides beautiful bouquet flowers.

Dahlias belong to the asteraceae family, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties created by humans have invaded, to our greatest pleasure, gardens worldwide. The 'Caproz Josephine' variety reaches about 1.20 m in height and 70 cm in width. It is classified among cactus Dahlias, more specifically semi-cactus; a horticultural category defined by the flower shape. In this group, the coloured ligules of the head are incompletely rolled up for at least 1/3 of their length. The flowering of this variety starts in July and ends in October. The outer ligules are quite large, flexible, slightly rolled up, twisted. The habit is bushy and upright, and the very branched stems are hollow. The leaves are opposite, pinnatisect, meaning they divide into 3 or 5 toothed lobes. The leaves and stems are medium green, a colour that complements the flowers well.

To extend the flowering period and promote flower reblooming, make sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly cut them to create attractive colourful bouquets by combining several varieties.

'Caproz Josephine' blends easily in mixed borders with other varieties of pink, red, purple or white Dahlias and with all flowerings, especially those of Tithonias, Anchusa, perennial Delphiniums and scarlet salvias. In borders, it will harmonise perfectly with Echinaceas, Sunflowers and Cleomes, for example. It is equally enhanced by a carpet of red or pink asters or grasses.

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 tuber was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities relegated it to the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.