Dahlia American Sunset

The Dahlia 'American Sunset' is a variety of Dahlia known as a 'ball' Dahlia that is still relatively uncommon. It gets its name from the stunning orange hues of its flowers. Medium-sized and pompom-shaped, they are precisely organised into countless alveoli that play with light and give depth to the flowers. The plant, of medium stature, blooms abundantly from summer until the first frost on long purplish stems, and looks impeccable both in bouquets and in borders.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family and are originally native to the high plateaus of Mexico. They bear inflorescences in heads, which we commonly call 'flowers'. Currently, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded gardens around the world, much to our delight.

The 'American Sunset' variety, introduced in 2019, is still not widely available in European nurseries. After 3 to 4 months of cultivation, the plant will measure approximately 1m (3ft) in height and 70cm (28in) in diameter. It is classified as a Dahlia of the decorative group with ball-type flowers. In this category, the heads are without visible central discs and consist of numerous petals (ligules) that are regularly arranged and completely rolled up, tubular, and never flared. This category includes varieties that form true spheres, such as pompoms (diameter less than 6cm (2in)) and balls (diameter greater than 6cm (2in)). The heads of this 'American Sunset' variety generally measure 9-10cm (4in) in diameter. The ligules are variegated with bright orange and softer orange, with a slight salmon hue. The plant has an upright habit, and its stems may require staking. The flowering of this variety begins in July and continues until October-November, if care is taken to remove faded flowers or frequently make bouquets. The very branched, long, and sturdy stems are hollow, and the leaves are opposite, pinnate, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 highly toothed lobes. The leaves are dark green and the stems are reddish.

To promote continuous blooming, make sure to remove faded flowers, or even better, regularly make large colourful bouquets, combining it with other varieties. 'American Sunset' produces magnificent flowers in bouquets, alongside single or pompom-type varieties, whether they are white, orange, or even purple. This variety stands out beautifully against the bronze or purple foliage of fennels or the acidic green of lady's mantle. In borders, this cheerful Dahlia will create highly colourful spots alongside grasses such as squirreltail grass and cordifolius asters ('Little Carlow'), for example, which bloom at the same time. Its long, highly blooming stems allow for bouquets to be adorned until late in the season.

As a star plant in borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuber was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste relegated it to the status of an ornamental plant. The Dahlia, with its infinitely varied shapes and colours, is now considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden.