Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata
Family: Asteraceae · Also called Garden Dahlia, Dinner Plate Dahlia, Dahlia nana, Dahlia purpurea, Georgina asepinae
Earthy & Warm · Summer–Autumn bloomer
The dahlia is architecture in bloom, a flower of astonishing geometric precision. From tight pompons to dinner-plate-sized blooms spanning 12 inches, from cactus-spiked to waterlily-flat, dahlias come in every form and every color except true blue. Over 42 species and 57,000 registered cultivars make it one of the most diverse ornamental genera.
elegance, inner strength, creativity, dignity
In the Victorian language of flowers, dahlia means “Elegance and standing strong in one's values”. The Aztecs cultivated dahlias for food (the tubers) and to carry water through the hollow stems. The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico. It was first sent to Europe in the 1780s as a food plant, but Europeans preferred the flowers and abandoned the culinary use.
Did You Know?
The Aztecs used hollow dahlia stems as water pipes. The tubers are edible and taste like a cross between a potato and a radish. Mexico's dahlia breeding program has been continuous for over 500 years.
Mountain regions of Mexico and Guatemala at 1,500–3,700m elevation
Dahlia is native to Mexico, Central America. It naturally grows in mountain regions of mexico and guatemala at 1,500–3,700m elevation.
Scent Profile
“A mild, earthy-green scent with faint spicy warmth, dahlias seduce through form and color rather than fragrance.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameDahlia pinnata
- FamilyAsteraceae
- Native ToMexico, Central America
- Bloom SeasonSummer–Autumn
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
The Aztecs cultivated dahlias for food (the tubers) and to carry water through the hollow stems. The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico. It was first sent to Europe in the 1780s as a food plant, but Europeans preferred the flowers and abandoned the culinary use.