International classification of dahlia varieties description and characteristics of species

Breeders from many countries around the world are working to create new varieties of dahlias; there are already several tens of thousands of them. Flower growers use classifiers to navigate this variety of flowers. When choosing a variety, they resort to the international classification (IDR) or limit themselves to a simplified version.

General description of dahlias

The first description of the culture dates back to 1791. Antonio Cavanilles named this plant variety Dalia. The genus received its current name, dahlias, in Russia. They were brought to our country in 1803.

The genus of bush dahlias is part of the Astrov family. In nature, the herbaceous perennial grows in Central America. In winter, the soil there does not freeze, so during the dormant period the above-ground part dies off, and the tubers overwinter without problems.

In the temperate climate of Russia, dahlia tubers are dug up for the winter and planted in the spring. The stems of the plant are hollow inside and smooth outside. Their height depends on the species, and can reach 2-2.5 m. The leaves are pinnate, paired with jagged edges and pointed ends.

The dahlia flower is an inflorescence-basket consisting of several elements:

• marginal reed flowers;
• fruiting tubular flowers;
• inflorescence bed;
• wrappers;
• pedicels.

The color of the petals has a wide variety of shades. After flowering, fruits - achenes - are formed. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years. In floriculture, perennial and annual varieties are popular.

What colors are there?

When composing garden compositions, color plays a big role. Plants with dark flowers are planted in the foreground, and plants with light flowers in the back.You can choose a dahlia variety of any color for your garden.

White

For lovers of the classics, varieties with white flowers are suitable. At night, the garden with snow-white flower beds illuminated by lanterns looks amazing. The White Perfection variety is considered a classic. The size of the snow-white baskets reaches 20 cm. The bushes are tall - 1.1 m.

Low-growing White Star is suitable for ridges and borders. Bushes 0.6 m high in July are covered with snow-white baskets (diameter 15 cm). Petals are needle-shaped, reed-shaped. White Star blooms until the cold weather.

Dahlia Boom Boom White pleases with regular spherical inflorescences resembling white balls. The center of the flower has a light cream tint. The diameter of the flowers is 10 cm, the height of the bush is 0.9 m. Boom Boom White blooms from June to October.

Yellow

To lift the mood in the garden, you need yellow. It calms you down and sets you up for serious work. Popular varieties with yellow inflorescences-baskets:

1. The Grand Prix. The bushes are tall - 1 m. Terry baskets, large - 25 cm.
2. Pinto. Dahlia from the Lilliputian group. It is used as a container culture. Grow on the balcony. The height of the bushes does not exceed 35 cm. Bright yellow baskets with a diameter of 10 cm look especially impressive on them.
3. Anchor. A cactus-like variety with large double inflorescences (20 cm) 0.9-1.2 m high.

Reds

The color red in the garden helps a person to concentrate on solving serious problems. It invigorates and increases activity. You can create a bright spot using red dahlias. Among them, the Apache dahlia deserves special attention.

It has massive, tall bushes (0.9-1 m), double inflorescences, consisting of bright red needle-shaped flowers, the diameter of which reaches 15 cm.

The variety Garner Wonder is striking in its beauty.This is a decorative dahlia with burgundy-red spherical baskets, their diameter does not exceed 15 cm. The height of the bush is 0.7-1 m.

Pink

Pink color goes well with all shades of green. Pink dahlias are appropriate in a romantic garden. Choosing a variety with pink inflorescences is easy. Here are three representatives of different species:

• Sandra (globular);
• Princess Park (cactus);
• Jewel Pink (pompom).

Purple

Purple color should be in moderation. It creates a feeling of wealth. The Figaro variety Violet Shades from the Figaro Mix series amazes with the luxury of purple-crimson flowers. Dahlia bushes are low (35 cm), they are used to decorate borders, and planted in the foreground of flower beds. In a sunny place, Figaro blooms until late autumn. The annual dahlia reproduces by seeds.

Orange

Psychotherapists believe that the color orange improves mood. It’s not a bad idea to have a flowerbed with orange dahlia bushes in the garden. The Dutch variety Maxim is suitable for this purpose. It appeared on the market recently.

The color of small baskets (10-15 cm) is bright, orange-red with a yellow border. They decorate flower beds and bouquets. For lovers of bright colors, dahlia Babylon Bronze from the Babylon variety series is suitable.

Lilac

A monochrome composition can be created from lilac dahlias. The My Dream variety amazes with its delicate lilac inflorescences with slightly curled petals. The following varieties are suitable for a lilac flower bed:

• Leela;
• Purple Pearl;
• Lilac night.

Burgundy

Burgundy dahlias look luxurious in a bouquet and in a flower bed. In compositions they go well with colors of orange, red, purple, and bright yellow. Varieties of interest:

• Black Prince;
• Arabian Knight;
• Flight;
• Karma Shock.

Classification of dahlias

It is difficult to navigate the huge number of varieties, so flower growers divide them into groups. For classification, characteristics are used: the size and shape of the inflorescence, the height of the bush.

Grouping by inflorescence size

All types of dahlias are divided into 5 groups according to the diameter of the inflorescences. The smallest baskets do not exceed 10 cm, and the largest reach 30 cm.

Gigantic

The size of the baskets is 25 cm and more. The care for these varieties is special. In order for the inflorescences to reach the required size, side shoots and lower leaves are removed from the leaf axils.

Large

Large-flowered dahlias, such as Dana, Vancouver, Kelvin, are characterized by an average height of the bush (1-1.2 m) and large baskets with a diameter of 20.3-25.4 cm.

Average

Varieties with baskets from 15 to 20 cm belong to the group of medium-sized inflorescences. They are in great demand among flower growers. They are planted in 1 or 2 rows, forming a hedge; they cover nondescript garden structures and fences. For the new collection you can purchase varieties:

• Lucky;
• Edinburgh;
• Akita;
• Madame Peak.

Small

Unpretentious varieties with small baskets of 10-15 cm are no less relevant. There are excellent small dahlias of domestic and Dutch selection on sale. They are not inferior in beauty to large-flowered dahlias.

Miniature

Mini dahlias are lovely. They decorate balconies, loggias, and terraces. Compact bushes strewn with small baskets (less than 10 cm) beautifully frame garden paths and flower beds. The Vancouver variety with miniature inflorescences is popular among gardeners.

Grouping by height

Classification of varieties by bush height is very important for gardeners. To create a flower garden, professionals make precise calculations and draw drawings.Hobbyists rely on varietal characteristics and recommended planting patterns.

Tall border

Tall dahlias with bushes taller than 1.2 m are planted in mixborders, borders, tapeworms. They are planted in the center of the flower bed, near the hedge. This group of plants requires support during flowering.

Medium-sized borders

Medium-sized varieties include dahlia varieties with bushes 0.8-1 m high. The most popular varieties of this group:

• Kelvin Floodlight with large (30 cm) yellow baskets;
• Genova, its inflorescences (15 cm) are painted lavender;
• profusely blooming Yellow Jill with brown-red baskets (15 cm).

Low-growing border

Low bushes up to 60 cm high and dwarf dahlias (20-40 cm) are grown in flower beds and containers. The Dutch Gallery variety series is represented by 19 dwarf varieties with terry baskets of yellow, lilac, and salmon colors. Series worthy of attention:

• Melody;
• Mignon;

Flowerbeds

Low-growing species are planted along the edges of the flower beds: pompoms and annuals that reproduce by seeds. Summer residents plant old popular varieties in their flower beds, such as Merry Guys. New items with densely double and semi-double inflorescences of different shades are suitable for a collection flower bed:

• Claire de Luna;
• Myrtle Folly;
• Table Dancer.

Lilliputians

The Liliput Dahilas group includes low-growing varieties whose stem height does not exceed 30 cm. The dahlia flowers of this group have different shapes. Lilliputian varieties are popular among gardeners. Compact bushes are used to decorate the borders of park paths, ridges, and flower beds.

International classification of dahlias

In 1962, botanists from around the world gathered in Brussels to determine common methods of classification. In 1969, the classifier was published. He is acting now.New varieties are introduced after registration with the RNS (International Registrar).

Simple

The inflorescences are not double, with a diameter of 10 cm. The petals are arranged in 1 row. The height of the bushes is 0.7 m. Plants of the Sihgle-flowered group bloom profusely throughout the summer. They are usually propagated by seeds. Simple dahlias are used to decorate the foreground.

Anemoneaceae

Anemone-flowered varieties are disease resistant and very decorative. The shape of double (semi-double) inflorescences resembles garden anemones. The petals of the middle part are tubular. They are surrounded by 1-3 rows of marginal petals. Bushes come in different heights - from 0.3 m to 0.8 m.

Collar

The inflorescences of dahlias Collerette Dahlias have a pronounced, convex core, surrounded by petals arranged in 2 rows:

• large external;
• shortened internal ones.

The diameter of the inflorescence baskets is 15 cm, the height of the bush is 1 m.

Peony-shaped

Semi-double baskets of peony perennials are formed by several rows of large oval petals. They surround a small central yellow disc. The diameter of the baskets is 10-20 cm, the bushes reach a height of 0.6-1.2 m.

Decorative

Representatives of this group have 2 types of petals. There are varieties of Decorative Dahlias with regular, flat petals with rounded tips, and others with wavy, seemingly deformed petals. In diameter, double inflorescences reach 10-20 cm, bushes grow up to 1-1.5 m.

Globular

The diameter of the baskets in spherical varieties is 10-20 cm. Terry baskets are shaped like a ball. The petals of dahlias from the Ball Dahlias group are curled 50-75% of their length.

Pompons

Bushes 0.3-1.2 m high are covered with large leaves. The baskets look like a slightly flattened ball, they are small - up to 7 cm.All petals are the same length and curl into tubes. Low-growing varieties of Pompon Dahlias are used to decorate borders. Medium-sized forms are used in group garden plantings.

Cactaceae

The inflorescences are double-type, needle-shaped, 7-35 cm in diameter. Narrow petals are curled over most of the length (65%). They are either straight, like the Alain Mimoun variety, or curved, like Sarah Mae. Cactus dahlias (Cactus Dahlias) bushes are tall. Shoots grow up to 1.2-1.8 m.

Semi-cactus

The Semi-Cactus group includes forms that have characteristics similar to other species (decorative, cactus). The baskets are densely double, from 5 to 25 cm in cross section. They consist of wide, pointed petals, twisted to 25-50% of the length. Plants of the Semi-Cactus group reach 0.4-1.3 m in height.

Nymphaeal

There are more than a thousand varieties in the group of nymphea (Waterlily Dahlias). All of them have lotus-shaped, terry-type inflorescences. They are regular in shape, resembling a water lily flower in appearance. Size 10-25 cm. Height of nymphal varieties 0.9-1.2 m.

Mixed

Miscellaneous includes rare forms of no commercial interest. They are often found in amateur gardens. Varieties from the mixed group delight gardeners with spectacular flowering; they are divided into 4 varieties:

• star-shaped;
• chrysanthemum;
• orchid;
• peony-shaped.

Popular varieties

Varietal dahlias with different characteristics of bushes and inflorescences are in demand among gardeners. Descriptions of the best varieties will make your choice easier. The selection includes plants of different classification groups. All are suitable for cutting.

Spartacus Bohemian

Tall (1.5 m) variety from the group of decorative dahlias. Spartak blooms in July, flowering lasts until frost.This is a perennial, it forms impressive inflorescences - 25-30 cm. The petals have an original color: bright yellow stripes on a cherry background.

Fleur

Fleur is the best variety in the Waterlily Dahlias group. It is grown for cutting. The plant is tall, the length of the stems is 1.2 m. The type of inflorescences is double, size is 25 cm. The petals are snow-white in color. The plant blooms on July 10-15.

Maxi

This is a variety series, it includes tall (1-1.2 m) cactus, semi-cactus decorative varieties with the same flowering periods, falling in July-September. The series includes spectacular varieties with large inflorescences (30 cm). Maxi dahlias are intended for flower beds and flower beds.

Merluza

Dahlia Merluza is part of the decorative group, its height is 1 m. It has lush, terry baskets with a diameter of 15 cm, consisting of yellow twisted petals with red tips. The Merluza variety blooms from July to September.

Red Pigmy

Semi-cactus variety. The perennial blooms from July to October. The color of the baskets is red, the size is 10-12 cm, the peduncles are good for cutting. Red Pygmy bushes are low (0.3-0.4 m), they are used to decorate balconies, patios, and planted in flower beds and pots.

Joan of Arc

A cactus variety 1.2 m high. The center is soft yellow, the feathery petals are lavender-pink. The baskets are medium, up to 18 cm in diameter. The variety will decorate the garden; it is recommended to plant it in flower beds. Peduncles are used when making bouquets.

Gloria

A tall variety of cactus-shaped dahlias. Gloria's height is 1.4 m. Old variety (1964), bred in Germany. The diameter of the graceful baskets is 15-20 cm. The color of the petals is pink.

Mignon

Propagated by seeds. Flowering lasts from July 10-15 until October. Mignon is a series of low dahlias (0.45 m) of different colors - from white to lilac.Compact bushes decorate garden beds and are grown in flower pots on the loggia.

Changeable

This is a mixture of seeds of several types of dahlia (cactus, pompom). Plants in this series bloom from August 10-15 until cold weather.

Aloha

Cactus variety. The height of the Aloha dahlia is 0.8-1 m. The type of baskets is terry, they are large with long, narrow petals of bright yellow color, with tips of a fiery red hue. The variety blooms profusely until frost.

Duet

This is an American variety. It is considered decorative. He was withdrawn in 1955. It has medium (16 cm) brightly colored baskets with dark cherry-colored petals. They are white at the ends. The bushes are tall (1.1 m).

Almandz Joy

Peduncles of Almandz Joy are suitable for cutting. Pale lilac flowers are an excellent decoration for a bouquet. Terry baskets are large (30 cm). Almandz Joy is used in group garden compositions. The average height of the bush is 0.9 m.

Mystery Day

Decorative variety with large (16-20 cm) terry baskets. The background color is burgundy, the tips of the flat petals are white. The bushes have a spreading form, average height (0.8 m). Blooms from July until frost.

Fricolet

Dutch cactus species with bushes 1-1.2 m tall and bright scarlet baskets. The petals are narrow, needle-shaped. They have white strokes on a bright scarlet background. The size of Fricolette baskets is 10-15 cm. The flowers bloom in July.

Arabian night

Spectacular wine-red baskets with a diameter of 15 cm. Bushes (0.8-1 m) are covered with large feathery leaves. Powerful flower stalks are good for cutting. The variety is widely used in landscape design. Dahlia Arabian Night serves as decoration for flower beds and group compositions.

Zoe Ray

Plant height is 1.1-1.2 m. Zoe Ray is an ornamental dahlia variety. The inflorescences-baskets are vanilla-yellow with purple edging of the petals. The diameter of the basket is 15-20 cm.Flowering lasts from July to September.

Kenora Macob

Bushes 1-1.2 m tall are covered with small dark green leaves. In July, dark red flowers bloom on them, their diameter is 15-18 cm. Kenora Macob is an ornamental variety that blooms until frost.

In the garden you need to plant several dahlia bushes with baskets of different colors and shapes. Their long flowering will delight you until late autumn.