Dahlia Penhill Watermelon

The 'Penhill Watermelon' Giant Decorative Dahlia is a fabulous variety whose flowers, reaching the size of a plate, are a stunning frill of twisted and pointed petals randomly combining different shades of pink, coral and salmon, warmed with yellow at the heart. This tall variety blooms for a long time, from July to October. It is an exceptional Dahlia, both for the shape and size of its inflorescences and for their colour. Its long, sturdy stems are perfect for cut flowers.

Dahlias belong to the asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. At present, the few 25,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens all over the world. The 'Penhill Watermelon' variety, introduced in 1999, is part of the giant Dahlias for two reasons: first, because it is tall on the stem, 1.20m (4ft) tall (or even 1.50m (5ft)) by 60cm (24in) wide, and secondly because its inflorescences measure 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) in diameter. It is also classified as a decorative Dahlia, which is a horticultural category defined by the shape of the flower. In this group, the coloured ligules of the head are regularly arranged in a spiral, they can be curved towards the stem or fringed, for example. The unusual shape of the Penhill Watermelon flowers classifies them in the sub-category of decorative Dahlias with informal flowers. The flowering of this variety starts in July and ends in October. The heads are composed of a multitude of ligules, more or less turbinate, as in some cactus Dahlias. Their colour is a mix of pink, more or less intense coral pink, salmon pink towards the heart of the flower, dressed with a more yellow glow. Each 'petal' is more or less flamed with purplish pink. The habit is bushy and erect, and the very branched stems are hollow. Its leaves are opposite, pinnatisect, which means they are divided into 3 or 5 toothed lobes. The leaves and stems are a bright and light green.

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

'Penhill Watermelon' is an exceptional cut flower that will look good, for example, in the decoration of a wedding venue, with white lilies, mignonette and arum lilies. In the garden, its tall stature makes it suitable for the back of perennial plant borders, where it can lean on bushes. It pairs particularly well with pink, mauve and white blooms, including those of roses and perennial salvias. In a flower bed, it will perfectly match large "thistles" (cardoon and artichoke), Japanese anemones, fennel and cosmos, for example. With tall sedums and miscanthus, it will also make a lovely original mix.

As a star plant in borders and herb gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities assigned it the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.