Dahlia Chimacum Luke

Dahlia 'Chimacum Luke' is a variety of Dahlia known as a ball dahlia. Bicoloured, its head presents a refined duo of colours, and even a trio of colours: the multiple alveoli that form its pompoms are red nuanced with orange depending on the reflections, and the tips of the alveoli are white. The overall impression of the flower is vibrant and soft at the same time, in a soothing orange-red colour combined with white. The plant, quite tall, blooms abundantly from summer to frost, on long and sturdy stems, with impeccable performance in bouquets as well as in beds. Its flowers allow for beautiful combinations with perennials in all shades of red, orange, and white, and will also be magnificent with the simplicity of grasses.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family, and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. They bear inflorescences in heads, which we commonly call 'flowers'. At present, the thousands of horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens all over the world.

The 'Chimacum Luke' variety measures 1 to 1.20 metres (3 to 4 feet) in height with a diameter of 50cm (20in). It is classified among the Dahlias of the decorative group with Ball-type flowers. In this category, the heads are without a visible centre, and they are composed of very numerous petals (ligules) regularly arranged and completely rolled up on themselves, tubular, never opening. It includes varieties that form true balls, such as pompoms (diameter less than 6cm (2in)) and balls (diameter greater than 6cm (2in)). The heads of 'Chimacum Luke' generally measure 7-8cm (3in) in diameter. The plant has an upright and bushy habit. The flowering of this variety begins in July and ends in October-November, if care is taken to remove faded flowers or make bouquets frequently. The stems, very branched, long and sturdy, are hollow and the leaves are opposite, pinnately lobed, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 very dentate lobes. The leaves here are dark green.

To encourage repeat flowering, take care to remove faded flowers, or even better, regularly make large colourful bouquets by combining it with other varieties. 'Chimacum Luke' produces cheerful flowers in bouquets, alongside varieties with single or pompom flowers, white, red, orange, or mauve to purple. Its long and very flowery stems allow for decorating bouquets until late in the season. In beds, this Dahlia forms very colourful spots alongside grasses such as squirrel-tail grass and perennials such as Echinaceas, punctuated by annuals such as Cosmos. 

As star plants in borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers and are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. But its poor taste qualities assigned it 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.