Dahlia Randy Crawford

The Dahlia 'Randy Crawford' is a variety of Dahlia 'head' displaying a dark cherry pink with a hint of violet colour. Its modest-sized flowers, reminiscent of flattened pompoms, do not go unnoticed in the garden. The plant is compact, yet flowers generously from summer until the onset of autumn. Its richly coloured flowers look stunning with asters and roses.

The Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family, bearing inflorescences in heads although we commonly refer to them as "flowers". The thousands of cultivars currently available stem from various botanical species originating from the high plateaus of Mexico. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its somewhat limited gustatory qualities were soon overshadowed by its ornamental qualities. The Dahlia, with its infinitely varied forms and colours, is now considered one of the most popular flowers.
The variety 'Randy Crawford' reaches approximately 80 cm in height by 50 cm in diameter within 3 to 4 months. It is classified among Dahlias of the decorative group with Head type flowers. In this horticultural group, the heads have no visible centre, and they are composed of numerous regularly arranged and completely rolled up tubular petals (ligules), never opening flat. It includes varieties that form true balls, such as pompons (diameter less than 6 cm) and heads (diameter greater than 6 cm). In 'Randy Crawford', the heads reach up to 8 cm in diameter. The plant has an erect and bushy habit. The flowering renews from July to October-November, if faded flowers are removed or cut for bouquets. The sturdy stems are hollow and more or less purplish. The green leaves are divided into 3 or 5 deeply toothed lobes.

The Dahlia 'Randy Crawford' is a showstopper in the garden and in bouquets. To enhance its sumptuous colour, you can pair it with Aster cordifolius 'Little Carlow', whose small lavender blue flowers also bloom towards the end of the season. Also, combine it with roses in pale pink or white tones, such as 'Iceberg' or 'Bouquet Parfait'. To further accentuate the chic and romantic character of the ensemble, add light grasses, such as Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'.

The star of borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful of flowers, but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants.