Different types of dahlias

Types of Dahlia

Dahlia come in different heights as well as different flower styles. If you are wanting to grow dahlia for cut flowers and need nice long stems, don't choose Gallery or Border Dahlias or Dwarf Dahlias.

Gallery or Border Dahlia are prolific bloomers and look lovely but stay short with short stems. They are great if you want an option you don't need to stake that just looks pretty in the garden.

Dwarf Dahlias are short plants with tiny flowers. They are lovely for a bit of variety and often bloom first but aren't suitable for cut flowers (perfect for fairy potions for small children however).

There are different names for different dahlia depending on where you're from, and I'm not a horticulturalist or a botanist so I might be misinformed, but I'll give it a nudge.

Pom Pom Dahlia

Pom Pom Dahlia are small perfect ball flowers. These flowers usually measure about 3cm across, so while they're not great at making a statement in a vase, they are great for adding some contrast in a bunch.

My faves;

Rocco (or Rococo) | Dark Purple Pom Pom
White Aster | White Pom Pom
Lipoma | Light Pinky-Purple Pom Pom
Little Robert | White Base Pom Pom with Pinky-Purple ends

Ball Dahlia

Ball Dahlia are larger versions of Pom Pom Dahlia. They have intricate curved petals and really are a miracle of nature. They last exceptionally well in a vase.

My faves;

Caitlin's Joy | Pink & Peach Ball
Copper Boy | Dark Red & Copper Ball
Barbarry Glamour | Light Pinky Purple Ball
Genova | Purple & White Ombre Ball

Dinner Plate Dahlia

Dinner Plate Dahlia are also referred to as extra large Decorative Dahlia. It's hard to tell from the picture but these dahlia are huge (25-30cm in diameter).

Dinner Plate Dahlia come in a range of colours and are (obviously) a statement piece in a vase. I found these were the last in the patch to flower and definitely needed more staking and support than I offered.

My faves;

Striped Emory Paul | Pinky Purple White Striped Dinner Plate
Omega | Peachy Apricot Dinner Plate
Cafe Au Lait Twist | Cream with Pink Stripes Dinner Plate
Break Out | Shimmery Creamy Apricot Dinner Plate

Cactus & Semi Cactus Dahlia

As with all dahlia there are very specific breed standards to categorise each type, but basically the cactus and semi cactus look a bit spiky.

I found these to be prolific bloomers and to last well in a vase.

My faves;

Alain Mimoun | White & Red Cactus
Black Narcissus | Very Dark Purple Cactus
Cabana Banana | Yellow with Peachy Pink Cactus
Tutti Frutti | Bright Peachy Pink Cactus

Single & Anenome Dahlia

Single Dahlia are the basic variety and these are dominant if you are growing from seed. This one was a lucky dip and it's taken me months to figure out what it is: Schipper's Bronze.

Anemone Dahlia have a whole lot of smaller petals in the middle. I didn't have much success with mine - they all seemed deformed. But the bees love them!

My faves;

Schipper's Bronze | Deep Orange with Yellow Single
Mambo | Fluffy Lavender Anemone
Totally Tangerine | Peachy Pink Anemone
Bumble Rumble | Stunning Collarette

Decorative Dahlia

It seems that all other dahlia (and there are many) fall into the "Decorative" category. Some people split them out further, but generally they are Decorative Dahlia.

The options are endless here and it's difficult to narrow down a few faves, but I will try;

Thomas Edison | Large Deep Purple Decorative
Creme de Cassis | Dark Purple Underside & Lilac Inside Decorative
Sweet Love | Baby Pink & White Decorative
Golden Sceptre | Bright Yellow Decorative

Growing Dahlias in New Zealand

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Lessons Learned From Growing Dahlias

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How To Plant Dahlias

Please note: Best practise when planting any tubers or cuttings is to quarantine your plants in individual pots for the first three years to ensure they are disease free. I...

How To Plant Dahlias

Please note: Best practise when planting any tubers or cuttings is to quarantine your plants in individual pots for the first three years to ensure they are disease free. I...