This big and vibrant flower is extremely popular and a favourite of many people for good reason! Dahlias are a real summer flower and signifies the return of better weather for many people. You can find Dahlia’s in many different forms and colours ranging from reds and pinks, to purple and orange. One thing is certain, these bright and stunning flowers are real eye catchers.
The Origin of The Dahlia
The dahlia is a true summer flower originating from the warm countries of Mexico and Guatemala. Since it is native to the mountainous regions of Mexico and Central America, it’s no surprise that the dahlia is a true sun lover. But you can find dahlias in Europe as well. The first dahlia came to the Netherlands in 1872, and they have been here ever since. Did you know that the dahlia is even Mexico’s national flower? The declaration was made in 1963 since dahlias represent Mexico’s diverse flora and rich cultural heritage. The dahlia is a symbol of power and life. They are associated with elegance, strength, eternal love, dignity, and diversity.
- Love and commitment – Many flowers are associated with love and romance, but dahlias are a straightforward way to say, “I’m yours eternally.” It is believed that the Victorians gave dahlias to signify a lasting bond or a commitment. No wonder dahlias are popular flowers for engagements, weddings, and anniversaries!
- Dignity and resilience – Dahlias look delicate and dainty but can survive harsh weather conditions and bounce back from adversity, all while remaining elegant and stunning.
- Diversity – These blooms come in many different colours, shapes, and sizes, and all different varieties are absolutely beautiful. With that many varieties, there is a dahlia for everyone!
“The dahlia is a symbol of power and life.“
Fun Facts About Dahlias
The flower was named dahlia after the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl and means “flower of the valley.” Dahlias were originally used as a source of food in Mexico. People grew the tubers to eat them, until they neglected to dig up the tubers and the plants began to bloom. When dahlias came to Europe, a true ‘Dahlia mania’ arose. Dahlias became well known and everyone wanted to have them. So badly that in 1804, one dahlia could be traded for a real diamond!
Dahlia Varieties
Dahlias come in many different varieties. There are so many different types of dahlias, that they defy categorization in terms of appearance. Their diversity knows no bounds, spanning a spectrum of shapes, sizes, and colours. The petals themselves vary from solid, to striped, or dotted. While dahlias may not emit any fragrance, their visual charm compensates. These are some of our favourites:
- Dahlia Barbados – This dahlia has a beautiful colour gradient that starts an orangy-yellow in the middle to a bright pink at the tips of the petals. A perfect flower to brighten up any space.
- Dahlia Striped Vulcan – This fiery variety lives up to its name. With bright yellow and orange stripes, this dahlia really does remind people of a volcano.
- Dahlia Pp Wizz Of Oz Pale Pink – This variety is just like the name says, pale pink, and has a pompon like appearance. The soft colour and delicate shape makes it perfect for any summery arrangement.
- Dahlia Arabian Night – Ready for something a bit darker? This variety has a classic, deep red appearance that gives a rich feel to any arrangement.
- Dahlia Jeffrey’s Dream – Jeffrey’s Dream? More like ours! This special variety has a big head, and an almost spider like appearance. With the colour yellow in the middle that fades into an orange and then pink, this dahlia reminds us of the sunset.
How to Care for Your Dahlias
To get the best-looking dahlias that last as long as possible, it is important to take very good care of them. If you follow these steps, you are assured your dahlias will bloom beautifully.
First, grab your pink Sakagen scissors ;) and cut the stems in a sharp 45-degree angle to help your dahlias absorb the water better. Don’t forget to remove the leaves before placing them in some water. So, strip any foliage that will be below the waterline in the vase. This prevents bacterial growth and keeps the water clean, because we don’t want any dirty water with these beautiful flowers. Let them soak a bit before putting them in the vase. Once you’ve arranged your dahlias, make sure to cut them every other day and put them in fresh water. This way, you’ll enjoy your dahlias as long as possible!
You can find the full dahlia-guide in our blog post - Preparing Dahlias for Stunning Blooms: Step-by-Step Guide. You can also check out our Instagram for more information and inspiration. We’ve hopefully taught you some interesting facts about dahlias to make you fall in love even more with them! Don’t forget to show your creations and tag us @hoekflowers.