A couple of decades ago, dahlias fell very much out of favour. Who knows why. They were no less varied or beautiful than they are today. But flower trends come and go, and for a time, dahlias were OUT. Now, with their rainbow hues and gloriously diverse shapes, they are making a massive comeback. And us florists couldn’t be happier about it! Here’s why.
Six Reasons Why We Love Dahlias
1. There’s a lot of them.
And we mean, a LOT. In the dahlia genus, there are 30 different species. And more than 20,000 cultivars. That means that no matter the occasion or the look you’re trying to achieve, there will be a dahlia somewhere that will fit into your arrangement.
2. Dahlias come in a range of sizes
From the whopping 14 inch flowers of the dinnerplate dahlia to the delicate and diminutive dwarf varieties, there is a dahlia to suit every situation. Whether you’re in the flower arranging business, or simply looking for a stunner to brighten your boarders or create cute containers.
3. Dahlias were originally viewed as vegetables
You’d never know it today, but when Swedish botanist, Anders Dahl, ‘discovered’ dahlias in the 18th century, he cultivated them as vegetables. Completely dismissing their glorious flowers in favour of their edible tubers. It wasn’t until the 19th century that dahlias were valued for their blooms. It’s worth nothing though, that while all dahlia tubers are edible, they have a variety of different flavours – some are spicy, while others taste like water chestnut, carrot, or apple. And some are downright unpalatable.
4. Dahlias are usually unscented
Now, for many people, the main reason the grow a flower is its scent. But unscented flowers can be really useful. If you are sensitive to perfumes, a lot of blooms can cause headaches. And from a floristry perspective, it can be difficult to create an arrangement that doesn’t overwhelm with scent. Because when you have too many scents vying for attention, the impact is often unpleasant. Having pretty fillers that don’t contribute to the fragrance can be invaluable.
5. Dahlias have a range of uses
Not only are dahlias edible and attractive, but many of them are great for pollinators. They’re also widely used in the textile industry to create a range of pigments for dying fabric. The tubers contain antibiotic compounds. And in their native country of Mexico, the petals were used to treat a range of conditions, from grazes and rashes to bites and stings.
6. Their meaning
The meanings of many flowers have changed over time. And the same is true of the dahlia. But since the Victorian era, dahlias have symbolised ever-lasting love. So, if you’re looking for a wedding flower, planning an anniversary flower arrangement, or looking for a way to make a big statement, the dahlia is definitely worth considering.
All flowers are wonderful in their own unique ways. But for us, the dahlia is something a little bit special. Bold, bright, and beautiful, they never sit unobtrusively in a corner. They draw the eye and raise a smile. Regardless of the variety. And we think they are a flower to treasure.
Get in touch with Blue Florist to order a one-of-a-kind arrangement featuring dahlias.