Dahlia Zingaro

Dahlia 'Zingaro' is a compact variety that develops small bushy clumps. From July to October, it bears a profusion of round, double flowers in a range of white-cream and lilac shades, finely edged with purple. The heart of the flower is also purple, tightly packed around a tiny, barely visible yellow centre. This low-growing variety will integrate well into monochromatic flower beds. It will thrive in borders or pots on a patio.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. There are currently thousands of horticultural varieties that have conquered gardens worldwide. They are tender perennials with fleshy tubers. 

The 'Zingaro' variety is a dwarf decorative dahlia. The plant will not exceed 60cm (24in) in all directions. It has a bushy and compact habit that does not require any staking. This variety flowers from July to October. The ample flower heads measure 6cm (2in) in diameter. They are composed of numerous rows of short and rather wide ligules that are slightly incurved, with a cream background washed with lilac, highlighted by a fine purple border. A small row of tiny, dark pink-violet ligules occupies the centre of the flower. At the end of flowering, the small yellow central disc barely becomes visible. The highly branched stems are hollow, and the leaves are opposite and divided into 3 or 5 finely toothed lobes. The leaves and stems are a bright green.

Remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms. You can use cut flowers to make colourful bouquets, combining them with other varieties. 

'Zingaro' pairs well with grasses and monochromatic flower beds composed of white or pink flowers. It will create colourful spots in borders alongside peonies, echinaceas, heleniums, and cosmos, for example. Also consider pairing it with Pennisetum villosum, a lovely fluffy grass that will bring softness and delicacy to the decor. This variety is perfect for container gardening on a patio or balcony.

Dahlias are stars of borders and ornamental gardens, confidently accompanying the most beautiful flowers. However, they are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste qualities quickly saw it categorised as an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.