Dahlia Gallery Bellini

The Gallery Bellini dwarf Dahlia is a mutant of the 'Gallery Pablo' variety. Equally floriferous, it produces dense flowers, with dark pink buds that open to a gradually washed-out pale pink, revealing a very pale yellow heart. The spectacle of its flowering begins in June and only ends with the first frost. Like all varieties in the Gallery series, it is a very compact plant, with excellent floribundity, specifically developed for ornamental containers and flower beds.

Dahlias, belonging to the asteraceae family, are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. At present, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, much to our delight, gardens all over the world.
The 'Gallery Bellini' variety is a dwarf dahlia related to Decorative and Cactus Dahlias. The plant will not exceed 40 to 45 cm (16 to 18in) in all directions, it has a bushy and compact habit, not requiring staking. This variety blooms from June to October-November. The dense flower heads are approximately 7 cm (3in) in diameter, taking the form of pretty flattened and regular balls, composed of numerous rows of slightly curved ligules towards the stem, and of a vibrant colour, a mix of lilac pink, white, and cream at the heart. At the end of anthesis, the central disc appears yellow. The very branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite and divided into 3 or 5 finely toothed lobes. The leaves and stems are dark green.

 
To encourage re-flowering and extend the flowering period, be sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly cut them to create attractive colourful bouquets by combining various varieties.

Gallery Dahlias, essential in a flower pot, also thrive at the front of borders or in flower beds, offering a range of colours to choose from according to each gardener's taste. They particularly complement the foliage of grasses; the Pennisetum villosum, a beautiful fluffy grass, Hordeum jubatum (Squirrel-tail Grass), or even Muhlenbergia capillaris will bring softness and delicacy to the decor. They also go well with the plump buds of old roses or Generosa roses. Their association with small white asters or the naive corollas of cosmos creates very balanced scenes.

As the star of borders and herb gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers as well as humble vegetables. They allow for beautiful flower pots or charming bouquets. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated 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.