Dahlia Mystery Day

The Decorative Dahlia Mystery Day is one of the favorite varieties for gardeners around the world, an irresistible creation from 1994 that continues to impress, including in neighbouring gardens. Its large bicoloured, fully double flowers bloom in a explosion of colours from summer to frost. They are composed of long ligulate petals ranging from deep red wine to dark purple, widely tipped with pure white, creating a striking overall effect. A flower of excellent durability, it stands tall no matter what, even in rain or strong winds.

Dahlias belong to the large family of asters and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties created by humans have arrived in gardens around the world, much to our delight. Dahlias are classified based on the shape of their heads. 'Mystery Day' is a decorative Dahlia with large flowers. The inflorescences are composed of several rows of almost flat, long and flexible outer ligules, slightly incurved and curved towards the stem, allowing rain to flow rather than be retained. The heads are opulent and can measure up to 20 cm (8in) in diameter. Each ligule is very dark red at the base, transitioning to a brighter red and ending in a white tip, which may vary in size depending on the flower. The juxtaposition of all these bicolored flowers turns the plant into a captivating bouquet. The plant will reach approximately 1 m (3ft) in height and 70 cm (28in) in width, with a bushy habit. Its smooth-textured leaves are deeply denticulate. The flowering of this variety begins in July and ends in October, if faded flowers are regularly removed or made into bouquets.

Today, Dahlias are essential in gardens. Initially, they were cultivated in Mexico as a root vegetable. Their poor taste quickly relegated them to the status of ornamental plants, but they are still welcome in vegetable gardens to bring some colour among the vegetables and provide a supply of cut flowers. 'Mystery Day', with its strong personality, can be used as a standalone plant, but will be enhanced by a backdrop of grasses (such as Stipa, Pennisetum, Crested Wheatgrass, Carex...) or phlox and white or red cosmos.