Dahlia Topmix Yellow

Dahlia 'Topmix Yellow', like all dahlias in the Topmix series, is a small, bushy variety that produces a multitude of small, single flowers. This variety bears daisy-like yellow flowers with a golden centre, resembling a bouquet of little summer suns in autumn. This easy-to-grow variety is perfect for brightening borders, rockeries, and pots. The cut flowers are beautiful in bouquets.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. There are currently thousands of horticultural varieties that have conquered gardens worldwide. They are tender perennials with fleshy tubers.

The 'Topmix Yellow' variety is a dahlia that falls between the "mignon" and "decorative" categories. The plant will not exceed 45cm (18in) in all directions, and has a bushy and compact habit that does not require staking. This variety flowers from July to October. What we call "flowers" are actually inflorescences called capitules, measuring about 5cm (2in) in diameter. They resemble lovely simple corollas composed of a row of oval-rounded and almost flat outer ligules, in a beautiful shade of yellow, arranged around the central disc composed of tiny golden yellow ligules. The highly branched stems are hollow, and the leaves are opposite and divided into 3 or 5 finely toothed lobes. The leaves and stems are a beautiful, deep green. 

Remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms. You can use cut flowers to make colourful bouquets, combining them with other varieties. 

'Topmix Yellow' pairs particularly well with perennial salvias (Salvia nemorosa or S. pratensis) in shades of mauve, violet, or white, which temper the vibrancy of the dahlia's flowering. It can also be planted with other varieties in the Topmix series, in a mix of colours. It will create remarkably colourful spots in borders and at the front of flower beds throughout the summer season, alongside catmints, dwarf cosmos, chamomiles, and summer daisies, for example. Also consider pairing it with Pennisetum villosum or P. setaceum 'Rubrum', as well as Stipa pennata, which are attractive, feathery grasses ideal for adding softness, lightness, and delicacy to the overall display. This variety is particularly suitable for container gardening on patios and balconies.

Dahlias are stars of borders and ornamental gardens, confidently accompanying the most beautiful flowers. However, they are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste qualities quickly saw it categorised as an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.