Dahlia White Perfection

As its name suggests, the 'White Perfection' Decorative Dahlia offers immaculate white flowers barely warmed with cream at the heart. This vigorous and prolific variety produces double, very full flowers from summer until the first frost. A superb plant for the garden, to be placed at the back of a border to bring light. Its giant flowers are stunning in bouquets.

Dahlias belong to theAsteraceaee family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties created by humans have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens worldwide. The vigorous 'White Perfection' variety will reach about 1.20 m (4ft) tall and 70 cm (28in) wide. It is classified among the giant decorative Dahlia but also among the cactus Dahlias, more precisely, the semi-cactus ones; this is a horticultural category defined by the shape of the flower. In this group, the coloured ligules of the head partially curl up for at least 1/3 of their length. This is a horticultural category defined by the shape and size of the flower. In this group, the colored ligules of the head are regularly arranged in a spiral, they can be curved towards the stem or even fringed, for example. The flowering of this variety begins in July and ends in October. The heads measure 20 cm (8in) to 25 cm (10in) in diameter, the outer ligules are quite large, flexible, slightly curled, of pure white colour, and those in the centre are barely touched with cream. The habit is bushy and erect, and the highly branched stems are hollow. Its leaves are opposite, pinnately divided, i.e. they are divided into 3 or 5 toothed lobes. The leaves and stems are medium green, a colour that highlights the the colour of the flowers.

To extend the flowering period and promote repeat flowering, remove faded flowers. Cut them regularly to create attractive, colourful bouquets by combining several varieties.

'White Perfection' easily blends with all flowering plants, especially Tithonias, Anchusa, perennial Delphiniums, and scarlet salvias. In borders, it will perfectly match Echinaceas, Sunflowers, and Cleomee. Also, pair it with Tartan and Sam Hopkins for a contrasting white and dark red border. A carpet of red or blue asters will also enhance it.

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