Dahlia Little Robert

The Decorative Dahlia 'Little Robert' is a medium-sized variety, particularly generous with flowers and which exudes undeniable charm. From July to October, it produces very dense heads (flowers), of medium size, in a magenta colour. Its compact development allows it to be grown just as well in a container on a terrace, as within a flower bed in a garden. Its sturdy stems allow for the creation of superb cut flower arrangements to decorate the interior of the house. The frost-sensitive tubercles must be overwintered under shelter in autumn to be replanted in spring and produce a new young plant.

The Dahlia is part of the vast Asteraceae family, which encompasses more than 1600 genera including both vegetable plants (like artichokes), and ornamental herbaceous plants (Centaureas) and even a few (rare) woody species. Originating from warm zones ranging from Mexico to Colombia, the Dahlia genus brings together several dozen wild species and nearly 57,000 horticultural varieties, proof of its immense success since its introduction to France at the beginning of the 19th century. To facilitate their identification, the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) has divided dahlias into 15 categories according to the shape of their flowers: cactus, pompon, star, anemone… 'Little Robert' belongs to group 5, that of decorative dahlias, although some classify it rather in the very close group 7, that of pompons. As with all Asteraceae, which were formerly called "Compositae", the "flower" is in fact an inflorescence, more precisely a head, formed of small fertile central flowers surrounded by sterile ligulate flowers, often mistaken for petals.
In spring, the Dahlia 'Little Robert' develops from its tubercle, a true nutritional reserve which allows it to withstand winter in very mild climates. The growth is then rapid and forms a clump which becomes denser if the main stem is pinched to encourage the development of lateral buds. The stems, hollow although relatively robust, then become more ramified, allowing the plant to reach approximately 50 cm in width by 80 cm in height in full flowering. The foliage, medium to dark green, is formed of pinnate leaves comprising 3 to 5 elliptical leaflets. This dark background perfectly highlights the inflorescences which are staggered from July to October, especially if faded flowers are regularly removed. The medium-sized heads generally measure 8 cm in diameter, sometimes up to 10 cm, and display a subtle hue, predominantly magenta, with the base of the ligules lighter and the tip more intense. The centre, consisting of ligules tightly packed against each other, only reveals their darker tip, and thus forms a darker zone which enhances the entire head. Very graphic, it appeals as much for its perfect geometric shape as for its refined colour.

'Little Robert' will thrive in a well-sunny spot, in slightly cool, but well-drained soil, at the heart of a romantically-inspired flower bed. You will create a superb scene by positioning it in front of a plant of Gypsophila paniculata 'Bristol Fairy', which countless miniature white flowers will perfectly complement the highly structured heads of your Dahlia. Furthermore, you can happily combine them in a vase to form a cut flower arrangement with a wholly romantic grace. In the same spirit, Gauras, which flowers are adorned with the lightness of butterflies, will cohabit perfectly with 'Little Robert'. If, on the contrary, you prefer to rely on strong contrasts, then choose a bright yellow Rudbeckia which will add a touch of pep to your scene.