Dahlia Karma Irene

The 'Karma Irene' Decorative Dahlia offers large waterlily-like flowers with a vibrant colour, intermediate between orange and red, carried on particularly sturdy stems ideal for creating bouquets. The Karma series of Dahlias, initially developed for cut flowers, offers medium-sized, brightly coloured varieties that also have a place in borders and make beautiful potted plants. 'Irene' flowers quite early in the season, and its freshly picked flowers can last up to 7 days in a vase. 

Dahlias belong to the large family of asters and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. At present, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded gardens all over the world, much to our delight. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their heads. 'Karma Irene' is a Decorative Dahlia with waterlily-like flowers. The inflorescences are composed of several rows of almost flat outer ligules, barely curled downwards. The heads are opulent and measure up to 14 cm (6in) in diameter. The ligules are a very bright orange, tending towards red, perfectly uniform. The tightly packed centre of the flower is composed of small petals with a golden yellow base. The plant will reach a height of 90 cm (35in) and a width of 50 cm (20in). It has a bushy and compact habit, and the strength of its stems does not require any staking. Its leaves are deeply denticulate. The particularly long flowering period of this variety begins at the end of June and ends in October-November, if care is taken to remove faded flowers or make frequent bouquets.

Today, Dahlias are essential in gardens. They were initially cultivated in Mexico as a root vegetable. Their poor taste qualities quickly relegated them to the status of ornamental plants, but they are still welcome in vegetable gardens to bring a splash of colour among the vegetables. 'Karma Irene' particularly complements white, red, and bright blue flowers.