Dahlia Rock and Roll

The Dahlia 'Rock and Roll' is an anemone-flowered dahlia. A beautiful flowering plant that harmoniously combines the red of the flat ligules of the crown with the golden yellow of the central pin cushion.

Dahlias belong to the large asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. At present, the approximately 20,000 horticultural varieties created by humans have invaded gardens all over the world, much to our delight. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their flowers. 'Rock and Roll' is an anemone-flowered dahlia. The inflorescences have one to two rows of revolute outer ligules (turned towards the stem) and a wide central disc composed of a collection of long, thin ligules that resemble a pin cushion. The heads of this variety are 10 cm (4in) in diameter. The crown is a magnificent red colour. The central florets are a beautiful golden yellow, some with red markings. The plant will reach a height of 100 cm (39in) and a width of 70 cm (28in), with a bushy habit. As a large variety, it is important to ensure that it is well-branched to strengthen its structure, as the stems of dahlias are hollow. Its leaves are opposite and pinnatisect, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which have very denticulate lobes. The leaves and stems are dark green.

The flowering period of dahlias is exceptionally long, starting in July and ending in November or first frost. To encourage continuous blooming, make sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly cut them to create attractive colourful bouquets, combining different varieties. In the middle of a flower bed, these dahlias will create colourful spots alongside large echinaceas, sedums, or perennial salvias, for example. When paired with Pennisetum villosum, the combination will have a delicate and soft effect.

The star plant of cottage gardens, dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers. They look impeccable in a flower bed but can also enhance a vegetable garden. In Mexico, these tuberous plants were initially cultivated as root vegetables for consumption. Their poor taste quickly relegated them to the status of ornamental plants. Since then, the appreciation for their beautiful exuberance has never waned.