Dahlias found their way to Europe at the end of the 18th century. In 1787, the French government sent an agent named Thierry Menoville to Mexico to steal an insect that provided a then-priceless carmine-red dye called cochineal. During the mission, Menoville discovered a flower of extraordinary beauty - a dahlia. Initially, there was no indication that they would be recognized as ornamental plants. However, it was soon discovered that dahlias were easy to reproduce, and a hundred years later, garden catalogs presented hundreds of beautiful varieties. After numerous adventures, the plant reached Paris, to the famous Jardin des Plantes. Unfortunately, the gardeners in good faith placed the plants in a greenhouse, where the tubers rotted rapidly.The same fate befell the dahlias that found their way to the gardens of the Spanish king and to England. Improperly cared for, they died quickly. Only the dahlias grown from seeds by a certain lady presented all the beauty of their flowers.
Dahlias in all the colors of the rainbow
The fame of dahlias continues today, and these plants owe such great popularity to their record-long flowering period, which lasts from June to the first frost, as well as a wide range of colors and forms. Dahlias, however, are one of those plants that should be arranged with great sensitivity, because errors resulting from improper combination of colors and forms become immediately visible.
The choice of varieties in pastel colors, such as shades of pink or yellow, avoids the effect of color disharmony. Plantings in which dahlias are combined with annuals are of a romantic nature. Numerous experiences show that when combined with such varieties of dahlias as 'Franz Kafka' or 'Mable Doll', the following are successful:in pink and white wetsuits. White and purple sage, ornamental tobacco, kleome and pennisetum are perfect companion plants.Two-color varieties of dahlias, such as 'Gallery Monet' and 'Gallery Art Nouveau', can successfully play the role of foreground plants. In their company, we advise you to plant species of inconspicuous beauty, so that no one has any doubts which plants are the most important in a given arrangement. Among the many recommended varieties and species are gaura, as well as varieties of verbena with different growth strength.
Caring for dahlias
The most important thing in the care of dahlias is wintering the tubers. Dahlias will be pleasing to the eye for years if in the fall, after the first night frosts, the tubers are dug out of the ground and secured. To avoid injuries, it is best to dig the tubers with a wide-toothed pitchfork. After digging out the stem, cut the length of 3-5 cm, then dry the tubers in the fresh air and carefully shake off the soil.Place the dahlias in a box with a slightly moist peat substrate, and store the box in a dark, cool (but frost-free) room until spring. In spring, we divide the stumps for planting so that each part has several tubers and a section of the old shoot with at least one visible bud. Despite their fairly deep roots, dahlias require watering during drought. Do not allow the plant to wither.In order for dahlias to keep blooming until late autumn, we need to regularly clean them of faded flowers. In large-flowered varieties such as 'Jennie', the side buds are removed, thanks to which the main bud can develop splendidly. It is best to cut flowers for vases in the early morning, choosing shoots with well-developed buds. Also in this case, it is recommended to remove the side buds from the plants. Cut the lower ends of the shoots diagonally and put the bouquet in the water immediately.
More about beautiful ornamental plants for your garden in the September issue of My Beautiful Garden.
