Flower of the month: Dahlias

Each month I highlight a different flower and how it can be used in floral design. This month’s flower is one with many faces. Dahlias come in so many different forms that it almost seems unfair to group them together.

I will admit that I’m not the best at keeping track of dahlia variety names. Last year was my first year trying dahlias in the ground. If you live in an area with frost and snow, digging up and dividing the tubers is an annual task. For my 9b growing zone in California, I get to skip this step if I want and let them overwinter in the ground. I’ll start to see shoots poking their heads up in late spring.

Dahlias also come in single petal varieties (below left), but they don’t last as long in a vase as the double blooms (below right).

Dahlias are a stunning focal flower, and honestly, they’re just fun. Different varieties can set different tones for a bouquet, like the two pictures below.

Dark and moody burgundy dahlias with spray roses, yarrow, and an Autumn Beauty sunflower.

Bright summer vibes with white, green, and lavender. Dahlias, scabiosa, lisianthus, stock, and Bells of Ireland.