Dahlia Calgary Flames

The Decorative Dahlia 'Calgary Flames' does not leave anyone indifferent with its twisted small yellow and white flowers. They resemble small kermesse windmills. It is a rather compact and well-branched variety that is perfect for large borders and container growing. Its radiant, abundant, and prolonged flowering allows for creating cheerful bouquets.

The Dahlias are tuberous plants belonging to the aster family. They originate from frost-sensitive botanical species native to the high plateaus of Mexico. There are thousands of horticultural varieties, and numerous novelties are created each year. Dahlias are classified based on the shape of their flowers. 'Calgary Flames', registered in the Netherlands in 2023, is classified in the Decorative Dahlias category, and in the subcategory of decorative dahlias with small flowers. In this horticultural group, the coloured ligules (or "petals") of the head are arranged regularly in a spiral, they can be curved towards the stem or even frilled, for example. In 'Calgary Flames', each head measures 12 cm in diameter and its ligules are tapered, more or less tubular, spiralled, and twisted, partly curved downwards. They are white, coloured vivid lemon yellow at the base, with a white reverse. The flowering period extends from July to October-November. The plant, forming an erect clump, will reach an average height of 90 cm, and 50 to 60 cm in width. The stems are hollow and branched, the leaves are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which form very denticulate lobes. The leaves and stems are of a fairly dark green colour. To encourage flower reblooming and extend the flowering period, make sure to remove faded flowers and make bouquets!

To complement the spirited Dahlia 'Calgary Flames', choose plants in pastel or silvery tones, such as 'Richard Gray' lavenders or 'Silver' Helichrysum petiolare, which will enhance its vibrant colours. Erigeron karvinskianus or gauras with their airy flowering will bring movement and delicate texture to balance the dahlia's sturdier structure. Add some grasses like 'Bronze Form' carex comans for a touch of lightness and dynamism.

Dahlias, emblematic of cottage gardens, are remarkable flowers that brighten up borders with their vibrant colours. Although perfect in flower beds, they can also add a decorative touch to the vegetable garden. In Mexico, these tuberous plants were originally cultivated for their edible roots, but their limited culinary interest quickly relegated them to ornamental plants. Since then, their generous beauty and spectacular flowering continue to charm generations of gardeners.