Dahlia Coccinea

Colour: Varies – Typically bright red

Adult Size: Average of around 3-4ft but can be smaller or larger

Lifespan: 10 days – 2 weeks

Where: Native to Mexico, found ornamentally in the UK e.g. in Kew-Botanical Gardens

Description

Attracting Pollinators

Although Dahlia do not produce any fruit, their beautiful appearance acts as a magnet for pollinators, where all eyes will be on them. This makes them very popular flowers to grow in ornamental gardens to add a little more floral flare, with their elegance and charm. It’s also a flower that is very rich in nectar, serving as an irresistible invitation for many pollinators and turning a boring garden into a buzzing hotspot.

Maintenance, Winter Care and Tubers

While they do require attention to grow, their resistance to many garden pests means they require little maintenance in this department. They cannot grow effectively in cold environments, so must be handled with care during the winter like the delicate souls they are. Often their tubers (underground stems used as storage organs) are stored and replanted in spring.

Shape and Colour Variations

Dahlias come in a variety of different shapes and colour variations, pictured is the single Dahlia pattern which has a gorgeous row of petals around the circular centre, a classic beauty, but other designs can include pompom, which is as fluffy as it sounds, or cactus design, with its more spiky and unique appearance. This is just the start, there’s the waterlily, Collarette and many more which all have distinct designs. The height of these plants can vary greatly, ranging from a few inches up to a colossal 6 feet.

Habitat

Dahlia is a species of flower that is native to mainly Mexico, however they can be found growing in parts of the UK such as Kew-Royal Botanical Gardens. They prefer mild temperatures, not too hot and not too cold. They are also sun seekers; they bathe in its rays within well-drained soil.

Lifecycle

Like all plants, Dahlias have a captivating life story that begins with an unassuming seed. Firstly, a stem with buds on the tip emerges. These buds will gradually grow bigger and start to mature until they eventually bloom to reveal their flowers, and this will be the height of their vibrancy where they are the most appealing. From this point, they will continue flaunting their floral elegance for multiple weeks until autumn. During this stage, insects will be attracted to aid in pollination, leading to the production of more seeds to keep the story of the Dahlia going. It is important to note that there are many dahlias that cannot produce fertile seeds due to being hybrids, meaning these particular plants will have to be regrown by planting tubers instead. After seed production, the flower will slowly start approaching the end of its lifespan, losing their colour, petals dropping and the flower finally taking a final bow. This is not the end however, as the seeds can then be distributed by the wind or other animal so they can start growing again and move onto the next chapter in this exciting story.