Dahlia Blue Bell

Dahlia 'Blue Bell' is a magnificent decorative variety. The colour of its indigo-violet flower heads is a rare shade that will bring personality to your borders. Dahlias are also perfect for growing in pots. This tall variety will need a large container to enjoy its long-lasting flowering on a patio.

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. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their flower.

'Blue Bell' is classified in the category of decorative dahlias. In this group, the heads are thicker than wide and are often large. This variety's blooms measure 10 to 12cm (4 to 5in) in diameter. Many rows of ligules overlap. Those on the lower levels are often revolute (turned towards the stem), those on the upper levels are inflexed, meaning they bend towards the heart of the inflorescence and are very concave. Without being completely blue, these come close with their magnificent indigo colour. Flowering takes place from July to November. The plant will reach 100cm (39in) in height and 80cm (31in) in width. Its branching stems are hollow. Its leaves are opposite and pinnatisect, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which form denticulate lobes. The stems and leaves are medium green.

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

They are bright plants that need a lot of sun. They will create colourful spots in the middle of a bed with tall rudbeckias, heleniums, cosmos, or even sedums. Plant it with Pennisetum villosum, which will add softness and delicacy to the decor.

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.