Dahlia Surprise

The Dahlia 'Honka Surpise' is a variety with large star-shaped flowers. The elegant ligules with clean lines are magenta and gold in colour. A simple inflorescence that will perfectly accompany your summer-flowering borders and brighten up autumn with these vibrant tones.

Dahlias belong to the large family of asteraceae, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 20,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, much to our delight, gardens all over the world.
The inflorescence of 'Honka Surprise' forms a star that also resembles the shape of a small windmill. What a contrast with the plump Dahlias we already know! The capitula are 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in diameter. A single row of eight long twisted ligules, golden yellow on the obverse and magenta on the reverse, encircles a wide central disc of amber yellow. The simplicity of its elegance makes this recently bred variety unique. The plant will reach a height of 100 cm (39in) and a width of 70 cm (28in). Its very branched stems are hollow and its leaves are opposite and divided into 3 or 5 very denticulate lobes. The plant has a bushy habit and, as a large variety, it will be necessary to ensure that it grows wider to strengthen its structure.

The flowering of Dahlias is exceptionally long, starting in July and ending in November. To promote repeat flowering and extend this flowering period, take care to remove faded flowers. Even better, cut them regularly to create attractive colourful bouquets by combining various varieties.
Easy to grow, Dahlias require a bit of work as the tubers need to be stored in winter. In the back of the border, the airy foliage of bronze fennel and diamond grass will enhance the texture of your Dahlias. Add a few Helenium Hoopesii with their old gold color to perfect a refined and romantic display.

Today, essential in gardens of priests, Dahlias were initially cultivated in Mexico as a root vegetable. Their poor taste quickly relegated them to the status of ornamental plants, but they are still welcome in vegetable gardens to add a bit of color among the vegetables.