Dahlia Pacific time

The decorative Dahlia 'Pacific time' is characterized by fairly small double flowers, in a variation of pure white and intense red colours, very contrasting. Each flower presents a different colour pattern, more or less red or white, for a festival of surprises as they bloom. Its not very tall, sturdy stems do not bend under the weight of the flowers and are perfect for making bouquets. An abundant and prolonged flowering period, from July until the frosts, allows for beautiful combinations in floral arrangements.

Dahlias are tuberous plants from the large family of Asteraceae, originally native to the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the thousands of horticultural varieties created by humans have spread, much to our delight, in gardens worldwide. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their flowers. 'Pacific time' is classified in the category of Decorative Dahlias. In this group, the colourful ligules of the head are arranged regularly in a spiral, they can be curved towards the stem or even fringed, for example. In this variety, the heads measure 8-9 cm in diameter and the ligules are slightly incurved. The flowering period is from July to October-November. The plant reaches approximately 60-70 cm in height, and 40 cm in width, with a bushy and erect habit. The very branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite, pinnatisect, meaning they divide into 3 or 5 leaflets, which form very denticulate lobes. The leaves are quite dark green and the stems are more or less tinged with purple.

By taking care to remove faded flowers, you will benefit from a prolonged flowering period. Even more enjoyable, create beautiful full bouquets with the generous dahlias by combining various varieties. Lighten the silhouette of decorative dahlias by pairing them with more airy flowers like gauras, salvias or Coneflowers. Fine-leaved plants like grasses play the same role, in addition to adding beautiful golden spikes. Plant 'Pacific time' in the middle of a bed of bushes and low perennials. For example, include shrubby salvias, such as Salvia microphylla 'Gletsjer' with delicate white flowers.

A star plant in cottage gardens, Dahlias are undoubtedly remarkable flowers, perfect in flowerbeds, but can also enhance the vegetable garden. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially grown as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste quickly relegated it to the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.