Dahlia Claudette

The Dahlia 'Claudette' is a small-sized dahlia with full flowers, very spectacular, with a beautiful rare lilac pink hue, a bit mauve, darker at the center. It blooms for a long time and faithfully, its buds follow one another from summer to autumn, above a compact, densely leafy green-blue bush.

Dahlias, from the asteraceae family, are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the few 20,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens all over the world.
The 'Claudette' variety is a swirling semi-dwarf Dahlia. The plant will not exceed 50 cm (20in) in all directions, it has a bushy and compact habit, not requiring staking. The flowering of this variety takes place from July to October. The heads measure 10 cm (4in) in diameter, they take the form of pretty regular balls composed of numerous rows of slightly curved ligules and a lilac pink color, almost purple at the center. At the end of anthesis, the yellow central disc appears. The very branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite and divided into 3 or 5 very denticulate lobes. The leaves and stems are dark green-blue.

To promote flower reblooming and extend the flowering period, take care to remove faded flowers. Even better, cut them regularly to create attractive colorful bouquets by combining various varieties.

'Claudette' pairs particularly well with pink blooms, especially with the plump buds of old roses, it will form colorful spots at the front of borders in the company of Echinaceas, Helenies, and Cosmos, for example. Also, consider associating it with Pennisetum villosum, a pretty feathery grass, to bring softness and delicacy to the decor. This variety is particularly suitable for container gardening, to easily decorate the terrace or balcony.

The star plant of borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers as well as the humble ones from the vegetable garden. They allow for beautiful flowering pots or charming bouquets. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was first grown as a root vegetable for consumption. But its poor taste qualities relegated it to the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.