Dahlia Hollyhill Spider Woman

The Dahlia 'Hollyhill Spider Woman' is classified among the cactus-flowered Dahlias, with large-sized heads that have a torn appearance in dark purple and violet colours. You can incorporate a very soft colour mix into your summer flower beds. This category of Dahlia is particularly renowned for its spectacular blooms that allow the creation of magnificent bouquets.

A plant with a thousand faces, the Dahlia, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico, now has around 20,000 varieties resulting from horticultural cross-breeding. This tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. But its poor taste qualities quickly relegated it to the rank of ornamental plant, much to our delight. Since then, interest in the vitality of this Asteraceae, which is particularly floriferous, has never waned.

The different categories of Dahlias are based on the shape and appearance of the heads. In the group of cactus Dahlias, the heads are fully double, and the ligules are completely tubular and pointed, giving them this unique and characteristic bristly shape. In 'Hollyhill Spider Woman' in particular, the heads measure 15 cm (6in) in diameter and more, and the ligules are so thin and turbinate that they appear as filaments. Some point towards the stem, others towards the centre of the inflorescence, creating the image of a purple and violet spider flower. The bushy clump will reach a height of 100 cm (39in) and a width of 50 cm (20in). The highly branched stems are hollow. The leaves, of medium green colour, are opposite and divided into 3 or 5 denticulate leaflets.

The flowering of Dahlias is exceptionally long, starting in July and ending in November. To encourage repeat flowering, make sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly cut them to create charming, colourful bouquets by combining different varieties.

Easy to grow, Dahlias require some work as they need to be stored over winter. Incorporate them into your perennial flower beds; they will complement summer blooms such as Echinaceas and Cosmos. Also, consider adding grasses to your compositions for delicate mixes with beautiful autumn interest. Traditionally essential in cottage gardens, Dahlias also have their place in the vegetable garden to bring colour to the vegetables.