Dahlia Favorites: From Historic Competitions to Modern Garden Stars

In 19th-century England, winning dahlias fetched hefty cash prizes, driving breeders to create increasingly exotic, large-flowered varieties. William Robinson later called these "monstrosities," prompting a shift toward smaller, single-flowering bedding types. Today, Westerners grow both—tens of thousands of named varieties, many magnificent in bouquets.

Our Favorite Varieties

'Anatole' – White streaked with crimson, 3½ ft tall.
'Bashful' – Deep purple with lavender tips and gold centers, 2½ ft.
'Chilson's Pride' – Pure pink with white centers, 5 ft.
'Pink Gingham' – Bright lavender-pink with white tips, 4½ ft.
'Siemen Doornbosch' – Lilac with creamy pincushion centers, 1½ ft.
'Wheels' – Red petals with yellow fringe around center disk, 3½ ft.