Dahlia Myrthe

The 'Myrthe' Decorative Dahlia bears modest-sized flowers, but brilliantly coloured in orange and yellow. A colour that fades somewhat as the flower ages, transforming the plant into a resplendent bouquet. The flowers bloom at the end of dark stems, on a well-branched vegetation that does not sag. Radiant in flower beds, these flowers are very long-lasting in bouquets. Perfect with grass flowers and purple foliage.

Dahlias are tuber plants from the large family of Asteraceae, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the thousands of horticultural varieties obtained by Man have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens around the world. Dahlias are classified based on the shape of their flower. 'Myrthe' is classified in the category of Ornamental Dahlias with small flowers. In this group, the "petals" or coloured ligules of the head are arranged regularly in a spiral, they can be curved towards the stem or fringed for example. In this variety, the heads measure only 12cm (5in) in diameter and their ligules are rather large, widely ovate, arranged in an orderly manner. Flowering occurs from July to October-November. Depending on the ripeness of the flower, the orange colour bordered and streaked with yellow of this variety can take different shades, more or less vivid, the centre of the inflorescence always leaning towards golden yellow. The plant will reach about 1.10m (4ft) in height and 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in width, the habit is bushy and erect. The very branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite, compound, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which form very denticulate lobes. The leaves are fairly dark green and the stems, particularly strong, are tinged with dark purple, almost brown.

To promote flowering and extend the flowering period, take care to cut faded flowers. Even better, regularly compose attractive coloured bouquets by combining various varieties. Decorative Dahlias pair well with Gauras, Cleomes, and Statices which lighten their generous silhouette. The captivating flowers of 'Myrthe' also allow beautiful combinations in floral compositions, with yellow, orange, red, or purple varieties. The medium size of this variety makes it suitable for the centre of mixed flower beds, to structure an ensemble composed of shrubs with colourful foliage (Physocarpus, Compact Winged Euonymus, Loropetalum...) and lower plants. Also consider grasses (Briza, small Miscanthus, Stipa, Eragrostis) which take on beautiful colours in autumn.

As a star plant in ornamental gardens, Dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers, they are impeccable in flower beds, but can also enhance the vegetable garden. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste quickly assigned it the status of an ornamental plant.