Dahlia Que Sera

The Dahlia 'Que Sera' is a variety of Dahlia with anemone flowers that will make a sensation in borders and bouquets due to the extreme refinement of its flowering which combines delicate colors and perfect form. Very double and delicately crumpled, the heads are unique with their large feathery-looking white center dotted with purple-violet, set on a quadruple collar striped with mauve and lavender on a white background. It blooms from summer until the first frost in sunny borders. A marvel to adopt in a romantic garden with penstemons, phlox, catmints...

Dahlias are tuberous plants from the large aster family, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded gardens worldwide. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their flowers. Introduced in 1998, 'Que Sera' is classified in the category of decorative Dahlias with anemone flowers. In this group, the colored ligules of the head are arranged in pompoms and surrounded by a collar of wider petals. In this variety, the well-developed heads are 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in diameter and the outermost ligules are almost flat, arranged in a very double collar, striped with blueberry and washed with lavender. Those in the center are shorter, fringed, white tinged with violet-purple at the tip, tightly packed together like a large feathery cushion. The flowering takes place from the end of June to October. The vigorous plant will reach a height of 1 m (3ft) or more in fertile soil, with a bushy and dense habit. The highly branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite and divided into denticulate leaflets. The leaves and stems are a medium green.

To promote repeat flowering and extend the flowering period, take care to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly compose attractive colorful bouquets by combining various varieties. Highlight the assertive character of this variety by associating it with fine grasses, Calamagrostis or Molinia. The flowering of cannas and Echinaceas is perfect to accompany that of Dahlias, as they occur simultaneously, as well as the flowering of cosmos or perennial salvias.

Dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers and are a highlight in ornamental gardens, but they can also enhance vegetable gardens. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste qualities quickly assigned it the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.