Dahlia Jescot Lingold

The Dahlia Jescot Lingold is an old variety of dahlia known as a "ball" and is always appreciated for its bi-coloured pompom flowers, modest in size but richly coloured. Precisely organized in multiple red and yellow-orange, flamboyant cells, they bloom in large numbers from summer until the first frosts, on a vigorous plant, carried by long, sturdy stems that are perfect for cut flowers.

Dahlias belong to the asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties created by humans have invaded, much to our delight, gardens all over the world.
The 'Jescot Lingold' variety will reach a height of 1.10m (4ft) with a diameter of 70cm (28in). It is a decorative dahlia classified among the ball dahlias; this is a horticultural category defined by the shape of the flower. In this group, the heads are modest in size (7 to 9cm (3 to 4in)), but produced abundantly, and the tubular ligules form a perfectly spherical inflorescence that has a cellular structure, similar to a beehive. The flowers of 'Jescot Lingold' are slightly flattened and have a diameter of approximately 7cm (3in). The ligules change from variegated vermilion red with light orange to a brick red widely tinged with yellow-orange, lightening as the days go by. The golden heart of the flower only appears late, just before wilting. Flowering occurs from July to October. The habit is bushy and upright. The highly branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite, pinnatisect, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 very toothed lobes. The stems are light green and the leaves are a fairly dark green.

To encourage repeat flowering, make sure to remove faded flowers, or even better, regularly make large colourful bouquets by combining it with other varieties. 'Jescot Lingold' shines in beds of white, yellow or red flowers. It pairs perfectly with grasses and the foliage of fennel. Also, associate it with Echinaceas that bloom at the same time, as well as asters, large daisies. This variety with its long, flowering stems allows for beautiful bouquets well into the late season.

As a star plant in borders and herb gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuber was first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities assigned it the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.