Dahlias score points with their never-ending summer blooms until the first frost. They boast magnificent flowers in a wide variety of shapes and color nuances. The Aztecs already enjoyed the beautiful garden flowers, which reached heights of up to 2 meters. Dahlias have colonized the gardens of Europe since the 18th century and continue to produce new gems of breeding art. Explore a list of ancient and historic dahlia varieties that create a visual aura of lavish blooms here.
Easy blooming dahlias
Their flat flower heads usually consist of 8 petals and are very popular with busy bees, bumblebees and butterflies. The following historic varieties thrive wonderfully both in pots and in beds.
Sneezy
Their beauty is based on their simple, simple flowers, which seem all the more endearing. The delicate, white petals surround a yellow center. In 1941, the Dutch breeder Groen created this versatile dahlia variety.
- Flower size: 8 cm
- Growth height: 40 cm
People's Chancellor
This dahlia's large, salmon-orange-colored flowers set the table richly for bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Since 1934, the variety has established itself as an indispensable component in nature-loving cottage gardens.
- Flower size: 10 cm
- Growth height: 100 cm
Andrea
Dutch dahlia breeding has been impressive since 1968 with both its delicate yellow flowers and its robust and vital growth potential. A wonderful classic for the bed and the pot.
- Flower size: 10 cm
- Growth height: 30 cm
Anemone-flowered dahlias
Mother Nature creates the following varieties from several rings with petals, from the center of which long tubular flowers attract nectar-collecting insects.
Asahi Chohje
A red and white striped beauty with a yellowish-white flower center from 1962. Ideal for cultivation in containers.
- Flower size: 8 cm
- Growth height: 40 cm
Lilac Time
The historic dahlia variety stands out with its purple-blue flowers. The breeding duo Torrance and Hopkins achieved this stroke of horticultural genius in 1939.
- Flower size: 20 cm
- Growth height: 100 cm
Nonette
This variety is hard to beat in terms of visual finesse, as it boasts salmon-orange flowers and purple speckles. How the gardening trick was achieved in 1951 remains the secret of the breeders Truffaut and George.
- Flower size: 15 cm
- Growth height: 110 cm
Water Lilies Dahlias
The flower heads of this dahlia class are double and have numerous tubular flowers in the middle. Their elegant appearance is actually reminiscent of water lilies.
Arabian Night
From August to October, the flower unfolds its black and red blooms and seamlessly continues the color spectacle in the large vase. In 1951 the Dutch breeder Weijers published his magnificent success.
- Flower size: 10 cm
- Growth height: 120 cm
Le Castel
Whether the French breeder Laurent suspected in 1971 that his white dahlia variety would still spread its magic in gardens today? The color contrast between the dark green foliage and the white splendor is particularly eye-catching here.
- Flower size: 12 cm
- Growth height: 110 cm
Rancho
The bright orange flowers add decorative accents to any garden. When combined with conspecifics, this classic variety still requires a special sense of color harmony.
- Flower size: 15 cm
- Growth height: 140 cm
Ball Dahlias
Here the look keeps what the name promises. The following historical varieties impress with magnificent ball flowers, composed of curled petals in enchanting colors.
Edinburgh
The historic variety from 1950 impresses with purple-colored flower balls, equipped with white tips.
- Flower size: 10-15 cm
- Growth height: 120 cm
Kaiser Wilhelm
In 1881, breeder Christian Deegen created this dahlia in honor of his emperor. The magnificent yellow flowers turn into a subtle brown at their tips.
- Flower size: 9 cm
- Growth height: 120 cm
Pride of Berlin
Since 1884, this variety has graced the gardens and parks of enthusiastic dahlia fans with delicate pink flower heads over lush green leaves.
- Flower size: 7 cm
- Growth height: 110 cm
Pompon Dahlias
Varieties in this classification are similar to ball dahlias. However, their flower heads are even more densely shaped and, with a diameter of 5-6 centimeters, are only half as large.
Albino
The beautiful dahlia with pure white pompom flowers dates back to 1949. The Dutch breeder Cor Gerlings created a monument for himself with the little celebrity.
- Flower size: 6 cm
- Growth height: 120 cm
Gretchen Heine
Since the German breeder Wolf created it in 1935, this classic with neon pink flower balls has become an integral part of hobby gardeners' dahlia collections.
- Flower size: 8 cm
- Growth height: 120 cm
White Aster
This dahlia variety has been stretching towards the sun with head-high white flowers since 1900. From midsummer to the first frost, the flower still performs this little miracle every year.
- Flower size: 7 cm
- Height: 170 cm
Cactus and semi-cactus dahlias
They stretch towards the sun narrow, pointed petals that are curled well over half their length. This creates a lush, densely filled appearance.
Cheerio
The carmine red classic with white flower tips from 1949 comes from the breeding of the English specialist Joe Barwise.
- Flower size: 10 cm
- Growth height: 140 cm
Marville
The French flower beauty impresses with yellow flower tubes that turn yellow towards the tip. The breeder Turc brought her to the public in 1954.
- Flower size: 11 cm
- Growth height: 80 cm
Sicilia
With huge flowers in bright orange, this dahlia has been taking the viewer's breath away since 1962. With its magnificent flower stalks, the variety also cuts a fine figure in a vase.
- Flower size: 15 cm
- Growth height: 130 cm
Deer Antler Dahlias
Very similar to the flowers of cactus dahlias, these varieties have split petals at the ends. This successful botanical property gives the garden flowers a slightly daring appearance.
Tsuki Yori No Shisha
The white fluffy flowers were produced by the Japanese breeder Kumagai in 1953 and have since had a permanent place on the best list of historical dahlia varieties.
- Flower size: 16 cm
- Growth height: 100 cm
C. R. Jelitto
Awarded the best new breed in 1958, Ernst Severin received the silver bowl from the German Dahlia Society. To this day, the salmon pink flower has lost none of its charisma.
- Flower size: 20 cm
- Growth height: 130 cm
Tip:
So that large-flowered, tall-growing dahlias maintain their upright posture, support is required. Plant these varieties along the garden fence or place a stick next to them.
Orchid-flowered dahlias
From a distance, the following dahlia varieties actually look like orchids are holding court in the bed. In fact, these are double or unfilled flowering varieties with a historical background.
Giraffe
Its orange and yellow cross-striped flowers gave this dahlia its variety name in 1940.
- Flower size: 7 cm
- Growth height: 80 cm
Marie Schnugg
Its simple starry flowers, clustered in rich red around a yellow center, appear to have just sprung from a painter's easel. In fact, the dahlia comes from the hands of American breeders in 1971.
- Flower size: 10 cm
- Growth height: 120 cm
Decorative Dahlia
In this class, experienced breeders bring together their most beautiful dahlias. Here, interested hobby gardeners will find lushly filled giant flowers and world-famous variety names.
Bishop of Llandaff
One of the world's best-known dahlias dates back to 1928 and impresses with bright red flower color over dark red foliage.
- Flower size: 7 cm
- Growth height: 110 cm
Tartan
The color contrast of dark purple flowers and white lace has been attracting everyone's attention since 1950. A true masterpiece from the hands of the Americans Johnston and Heath.
- Flower size: 20 cm
- Growth height: 130 cm
Holland Festival
Here the flower does what the name promises. A festival of colors in orange and white unfolds before your eyes. One of the most beautiful giant-flowered varieties that has been captivating gardeners since 1960.
- Flower size: 28 cm
- Growth height: 100 cm
Olympic Fire
Bred for the Olympic Games in 1936, this historic dahlia variety still makes collectors' hearts beat faster today.
- Flower size: 8 cm
- Growth height: 100 cm
Conclusion
Anyone who browses through this list of old and historical dahlia varieties will fall victim to a great passion for collecting. Within the multi-faceted classes are dahlias steeped in history, whose magic continues to this day. Magnificent specimens mark historical events with their publication date, bow to great personalities or simply convey the joy of the beauty of colorful flowers. A truly royal legacy from the gardens of the Aztecs.
