As bushy as they are delicate, dahlias are an excellent addition to any garden. Coming in hues ranging from white and peach to pink and red, these blooms are just the right amount of daring – and we have some fresh inspiration from one of our favorite gardeners for this fleur.
Martha Stewart, ever the active flower grower, recently shared a snap of her dahlias on her Instagram page, and we were immediately taken by the brilliant pink and yellow petals.
'Dahlias bloom with great profusion just as other plants pass their prime, and they last right until the first frost,' Stewart states in the caption. According to H&G's Gardens content editor Thom Rutter, dahlias are the ultimate indoor-outdoor hybrid flower in terms of garden and home display.
'Dahlias are perfect for a summer flower display,' he says. 'While they look spectacular in the yard, placing these blooms in a vase indoors, as Martha Stewart does, can create something quite special.'
When it comes to planting dahlias, climate and conditions are the two most crucial factors in ensuring that blooms remain healthy.
'Growing dahlias is relatively straightforward, so long as you have a sunny border with free-draining soil,' Rutter explains. 'There are many different varieties that can add impact to your plot. Whether you enjoy rich, dark colors or vibrant zingy hues, you will find a dahlia to suit your liking.'
While dahlia varieties differ in their volume, shape, and color, Rutter recommends one type of flower in particular that is bound to look stunning in any arrangement.
'Martha Stewart shows just how impressive the dinner plate dahlia variety can be,' he says. 'With large blooms and striking colors, these dahlias are sure to attract attention. One dinner plate variety I have long been fond of is 'cafe au lait' (seen below), which is off-white to cream color and pairs well with most other shades.'
With so many beautiful varieties to choose from, why not purchase a selection to start out and sample all that dahlias have to offer? A selection of 10 dahlias is available to purchase below.
This mix of 10 different dahlias is the perfect blend of colorful and voluminous fleurs.
Lastly, when it comes to flower care, there are a few essential steps to take in order to achieve a perfectly groomed stem; particularly for those who are keen to display their dahlias in the home.
'When cutting dahlias in your flower garden, snip down to just above a leaf node,' Rutter explains. 'If you are cutting for a vase, you want to choose the tallest stems possible, which can be challenging as summer goes on and stems begin to shorten. However, even shorter stems can still look good when placed in shorter vases. Just be sure to change the water every few days to make them last as long as possible.'
