Dahlia Violet Dance

The Decorative Dahlia with Small Flowers 'Violet Dance' offers voluminous double flowers, full of elongated and pointed petals, some of which are curled in on themselves, in a gradation of dark pink, lighter pink, and pale pink, barely tinged with a yellow halo in the centre. This variety develops medium-sized stems that are perfect for making bouquets. An abundant and prolonged flowering, from July to the first frosts, allowing beautiful combinations in dynamic mixed borders.

The Dahlias are tuberous plants from the large family of asteraceae, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the thousands of horticultural varieties created by humans have invaded, much to our delight, gardens worldwide. Dahlias are classified according to the shape of their flowers. 'Violet Dance' is classified in the category of Decorative Dahlias, and in the sub-category of decorative dahlias with small flowers. In this group, the 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 14 cm in diameter and their ligules are rather elongated and pointed, sometimes curled in on themselves. The flowering occurs from July to October-November. The plant will reach an average height of 1 m and 50 to 60 cm in width, with a bushy and erect habit. The highly branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite, pinnatisect, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which have very denticulate lobes. The leaves and stems are of a fairly light green colour.

To promote flower reblooming and extend the flowering period, make sure to remove faded flowers. Better yet, create enticing colourful bouquets by combining different varieties. Decorative Dahlias pair well with gauras and cleomes which will lighten their generous silhouette. The flowers of 'Violet Dance' also make wonderful bouquets, with roses and grasses. The medium size of this variety makes it suitable for the centre of mixed borders, to structure a composition of bushy foliage and lower plants. The flowering of Echinaceas is perfect to accompany that of Dahlias, as they bloom simultaneously, as well as that of perennial salvias for example.

A star plant in cottage gardens, Dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers, perfect in flower beds, but can also enhance the vegetable garden. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially grown as a vegetable root 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.