Dahlia Copper Boy

Dahlia 'Copper Boy' is a variety of ball dahlia with flowers that display a rare colour, somewhat indefinable, appearing dark red copper with purple, pink, orange, or bronze reflections depending on the lighting. Of medium size, with slightly flattened pompon-like shapes, they are organized in countless alveoli that play with light and give them relief. The plant, of medium stature, flowers abundantly from summer to frost on long and sturdy purple stems, holding up well in bouquets as well as in beds. Its richly colored flowers will be magnificent with asters or the flowering of grasses.

Dahlias are part of the Asteraceae family, originally from the high plateaus of Mexico, and bear inflorescences in heads, which we commonly call 'flowers'. Currently, the approximately 75,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, much to our delight, gardens around the world.
The 'Copper Boy' variety will measure approximately 1m (3ft) in height and 70cm (28in) in diameter after 3 to 4 months of cultivation. It is classified among the decorative group of ball-type dahlias. In this category, the heads are without a visible centre, and they are composed of numerous regularly arranged and completely rolled up petals (ligules), tubular and never flaring. It includes varieties that form true balls, such as pompoms (with a diameter less than 6cm (2in)) and balls (with a diameter greater than 6cm (2in)). The heads of this 'Copper Boy' variety generally measure 9-10cm (4in) 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 very branching, long, and sturdy stems are hollow, and the leaves are opposite, pinnately lobed, i.e. they are divided into 3 or 5 very toothed lobes. The leaves here are dark green and the stems tinged with purple.

To promote flowering again, take care to remove faded flowers, or better yet, regularly make large colourful bouquets by combining it with other varieties. 'Copper Boy' produces sumptuous flowers in bouquets, accompanied by varieties with single or pompom flowers, white, blue, or even mauve to purple. This variety stands out beautifully against the bronze or purple foliage of fennel or the acid green of alchemilla. In flower beds, this glorious Dahlia will create very colourful spots alongside grasses such as squirreltail grass and cordifolius asters ('Little Carlow'), for example, which flower at the same time. Its long, very flowering stems allow for bouquets until late in the season.

As a star plant for borders and herb gardens, dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities relegated it to the rank 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.