Florist Guide to Dahlia Varieties

Dahlias are vibrant, versatile flowers prized for their diverse shapes, sizes, and colors. This guide provides florists with an overview of popular dahlia varieties, their characteristics, and tips for use in arrangements.

Introduction to Dahlias

Dahlias (genus Dahlia) are tuberous perennials native to Mexico, known for their stunning blooms from midsummer to late fall. With over 70,000 registered cultivars, they range from petite pompons to large dinner-plate blooms, offering endless possibilities for floral designs. Dahlias are classified by flower form, size, and color, with categories defined by the American Dahlia Society (ADS).

Popular Dahlia Varieties by Form

Below is a curated list of dahlia forms and notable varieties, ideal for florists seeking specific aesthetics.

1. Decorative Dahlias

• Characteristics: Full, double blooms with flat or slightly curved petals, no visible center. Available in formal (symmetrical) and informal (looser) types.

• Popular Varieties:

  • Café au Lait: Creamy beige-pink, 8–10" blooms, perfect for romantic or neutral arrangements. Long vase life.

  • Kelvin Floodlight: Bright yellow, 10–12" dinner-plate blooms, ideal for bold centerpieces.

• Floral Use: Statement flowers for large bouquets or focal points in wedding designs.

• Tips: Handle gently; large blooms can be heavy. Cut stems at an angle and remove lower leaves to extend vase life.

2. Ball and Pompon Dahlias

• Characteristics: Rounded, tightly packed blooms. Balls are 2–4" wide; pompons are under 2".

• Popular Varieties:

  • Cornel: Deep red, 3" ball blooms, great for texture in mixed arrangements.

  • Jomanda: Vibrant orange, 2" pompon, adds playful pops of color.

• Floral Use: Excellent for adding structure and texture to bouquets or boutonnieres.

• Tips: Sturdy stems make them easy to work with. Pair with softer blooms like ranunculus for contrast.

3. Cactus and Semi-Cactus Dahlias

• Characteristics: Double blooms with tubular, pointed petals that curve outward (cactus) or partially (semi-cactus).

• Popular Varieties:

  • Nuit d’Eté: Deep burgundy, 6–8" cactus blooms, dramatic in moody arrangements.

  • Yellow Star: Bright yellow, 8" semi-cactus, ideal for vibrant summer designs.

• Floral Use: Adds spiky texture to modern or eclectic bouquets.

• Tips: Petals can be fragile; secure in foam or wire for stability in large designs.

4. Anemone-Flowered Dahlias

• Characteristics: Single or double outer petals with a central disc of tubular florets, resembling anemones.

• Popular Varieties:

  • Totally Tangerine: Orange-pink, 4–6" blooms, unique for whimsical arrangements.

  • Blue Bayou: Purple with yellow centers, 4" blooms, striking in mixed bouquets.

• Floral Use: Perfect for adding a delicate, layered look to smaller arrangements or corsages.

• Tips: Combine with greenery like eucalyptus for a balanced look.

5. Single-Flowered Dahlias

• Characteristics: Simple, open blooms with a single row of petals and a visible center, often 2–4" wide.

• Popular Varieties:

  • HS Date: Red with yellow centers, 3" blooms, great for rustic designs.

  • Bumble Rumble: Pink and yellow, 2–3" blooms, charming in petite bouquets.

• Floral Use: Ideal for minimalist or garden-style arrangements.

• Tips: Lightweight and easy to arrange; pair with wildflowers for a natural aesthetic.

Care and Handling Tips

• Cutting: Harvest in the morning when blooms are 75–90% open. Place immediately in water with floral preservative.

• Storage: Store at 35–40°F (2–4°C) in clean water. Avoid ethylene exposure (e.g., from fruit).

• Vase Life: Typically 5–7 days. Change water every 2 days and recut stems to maintain freshness.

• Conditioning: Submerge stems in lukewarm water for 1–2 hours before arranging to maximize hydration.

Design Considerations

• Color Palette: Dahlias come in nearly every color except true blue, making them versatile for seasonal or themed designs.

• Scale: Match bloom size to arrangement scale—use dinner-plate dahlias for grand centerpieces and pompons for delicate accents.

• Texture: Combine with contrasting textures (e.g., soft peonies or spiky astilbe) for visual interest.

• Seasonality: Peak availability is late summer to early fall, but greenhouse-grown dahlias extend the season.

Sourcing Dahlias

• Local Growers: Connect with local farms for freshest blooms and unique varieties.

• Wholesalers: Reliable for bulk orders, especially for large events.

• Growing Your Own: Consider planting tubers in spring for a custom supply. Popular sources include Swan Island Dahlias or Floret Flower Farm.

Dahlias are a florist’s dream, offering endless variety in form, color, and size. By selecting the right varieties and following proper care techniques, you can create stunning arrangements that captivate clients. Experiment with combinations to highlight their unique beauty in every season.

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