A Florist's Guide to Dahlia Varieties
Dahlias are a beloved choice among florists for their exquisite beauty and impressive variety. Here's a Singapore florist guide to some of the most popular dahlia types you can find, perfect for crafting stunning arrangements.
1. Decorative Dahlias
These dahlias are characterised by their full, lush blooms and are available in a wide range of colours. They are ideal for creating voluminous arrangements.
‘Cafe au Lait’: Known for its large, blush-hued petals that fade to cream, this variety adds a touch of elegance.
‘Thomas Edison’: A striking deep purple dahlia with a hint of red, providing dramatic flair to bouquets.
2. Cactus Dahlias
Cactus dahlias feature spiky, pointed petals which give them a unique texture. Their open centre invites bees and butterflies, enhancing any garden or floral display.
‘Bishop of Oxford’: With its deep crimson colour and spiky petals, this variety makes a bold statement.
‘Karma Choc’: A unique dark chocolate hue that transitions to red at the tips, ideal for autumnal arrangements.
3. Pompon Dahlias
These small, rounded blooms are delightful for their compact shape and charming appearance, often used as fillers in arrangements.
‘Ball Series’: Known for their perfect round shape and variety of colours, they are excellent for adding charm.
‘Daisy’: A small flower with white and yellow petals that works beautifully in mixed bouquets.
4. Novelty Dahlias
Novelty dahlias are known for their unusual petal shapes or colour patterns and add a distinctive touch to arrangements.
‘Café au Lait Royale’: Similar to its namesake, but with a deeper pink centre, bringing a vintage feel.
‘Fleur’: A unique variety featuring petals that are both quilled and twisted, perfect for eclectic designs.
5. Single-Flower Dahlias
These varieties have a central disk and a ring of flat petals, which lend a more natural look to floral arrangements.
‘Sunny Boy’: A bright yellow variety that embodies cheerfulness and is perfect for summer bouquets.
‘Dahlia ‘Peachy’: This soft peach dahlia brings warmth and romance to floral displays.
6. Collarette Dahlias
Collarettes have a distinct collar of smaller petals around a central disk. They offer a delightful contrast in floral arrangements.
‘Collarette’: Features a contrasting colour in the collar, drawing attention with their playful appearance.
‘Sweet Nathalie’: A sweet pink with a darker collar, ideal for whimsical arrangements.
Care Tips for Dahlias
When working with dahlias, consider the following care tips to ensure their longevity:
Watering: Give them ample water, ensuring the stems are immersed to prevent wilting.
Temperature: Keep them in a cool area, away from direct sunlight to prolong freshness.
Stem Care: Trim the stems at an angle before arranging to enhance water absorption.
Dahlias are versatile and can be combined with a variety of flowers to create stunning arrangements. Whether for weddings, events, or everyday displays, these blooms elevate any floral composition with their charm and colour.
