Dahlia Topmix Red

The  Dahlia 'Topmix Red', like all the Topmix Dahlias, is a small, bushy variety that produces a multitude of small, single flowers in various colors. The 'Red' selection stands out for its extremely vibrant flowering: its flowers are like small, bright vermillion daisies, blooming around a beautiful bright yellow heart. They bloom from July to October on a densely leafy, compact bush, enhanced by beautiful dark green foliage. True stars of borders and cottage gardens, as beautiful in ornamental beds as they are in vegetable gardens, Topmix Dahlias allow you to create cheerful flower pots and charming bouquets.

Dahlias, from the asteraceae family, are originally native to the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the few 25,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, much to our delight, gardens around the world. 
The 'Topmix Red' variety is a Dahlia that falls between the "Mignon" and "Decorative" categories. The plant will not exceed 30 cm in all directions, it has a bushy and very compact habit, not requiring staking. The flowering of this variety takes place from July to October. What we call "flowers" are actually inflorescences called capitules, measuring about 4 cm (2in) in diameter. They take the form of pretty single corollas composed of a row of oval-rounded and almost flat ligules, of a bright red color, often lighter at the edges, around the central disc composed of tiny ligules of golden yellow color. The very branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite and divided into 3 or 5 highly denticulate lobes. The leaves and stems are a beautiful and fairly deep green. 

 
To encourage repeat flowering and extend the flowering period, be sure to remove faded flowers. Even better, regularly cut them to create charming colorful bouquets by combining various varieties. 

'Topmix Red' pairs particularly well with the perennial sage (Salvia nemorosa or pratensis) in shades of mauve, violet, or white, which temper the vibrancy of its flowering. It will form remarkably colorful spots in borders and at the front of beds throughout the growing season, alongside nepetas, small autumn asters, heleniums, chamomiles, and summer daisies, for example. Also consider combining it with Pennisetum villosum or setaceum Rubrum, as well as Stipa pennata, which are lovely feathery grasses ideal for adding softness, lightness, and delicacy to the decor. This variety is particularly suited for container cultivation, easily adorning the terrace or balcony.

A star plant for borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers as well as the humble ones from the vegetable garden. They allow you to create 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 rank of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.