Dahlias have long been the stars of late summer and autumn gardens—a vibrant tapestry of color, shape, and style that feels as at home in a Cornish border as in a show garden. Yet behind their flamboyant beauty lies a fascinating diversity of forms and an artistry in color combination that makes these flowers endlessly captivating. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a curious newcomer, understanding the types and palettes of dahlias can transform the way you plan, plant, and enjoy your garden.

A World of Forms: The Main Types of Dahlias

Dahlias are classified by the shape and arrangement of their petals—a horticultural tradition that helps gardeners choose varieties for impact, cutting, or pollinator appeal.

  • Single-Flowered — Open-centered, one ring of petals. Pollinator-friendly classics like Bishop of York.
  • Anemone-Flowered — Dense cushion of tubular petals at the center, framed by flat outer petals. Lambada and Honey are showy examples.
  • Collarette — A single row of petals plus a contrasting inner ‘collar’ of smaller petals. Think of Bishop of Llandaff.
  • Waterlily — Fully double, shallow blooms with curved petals reminiscent of a waterlily. Kilburn Rose dazzles here.
  • Decorative — Large, broad-petaled blooms with no visible center. David Howard and Café au Lait are garden legends.
  • Ball — Tightly arranged, spherical flowers with spiraled petals. The resilient Cornel Bronze never disappoints.
  • Pompon — Miniature balls of tightly curved petals. Moor Place and Franz Kafka are elegant and charming.
  • Cactus — Pointed, rolled-back petals give a starburst look. Doris Day and Ryecroft Pixie are standout choices.
  • Semi-Cactus — Like cactus dahlias, but with broader petals. Dame Deirdre is a reliable performer.
  • Fimbriated (Laciniated) — Petals split or fringed at the tips for a delicate, feathery look.
  • Peony-Flowered — Open centers with several rows of petals. Pollinator-friendly and light-hearted.
  • Orchid/Stellar/Star Forms — Slim, star-shaped petals, often with open centers for an airy garden feel.

The Art of Color: Dahlia Palettes for Every Garden Style

Dahlias offer color like no other flower—velvety blacks, glowing peaches, rich jewel tones, and dreamy pastels. Here are some timeless and trending color combinations:

  • Blush & Cream — Romantic and refined. Café au Lait, Appleblossom, Jowey Winnie.
  • Peach, Coral & Buttercream — Cheerful and sunny. Peaches 'n' Cream, Lakeview Peach Fuzz, Breakout.
  • Bold Hot Tones — Reds, oranges, and yellows for vibrant impact. David Howard, Maarn, Yellow Jill.
  • Berry & Burgundy — Moody and sophisticated. Urchin, Voodoo, Polka.
  • Earthy Rust & Bronze — On-trend for natural palettes. Cornel Bronze, Terracotta, Brown Sugar.
  • Jewel Tones — Rich purples and magentas. Thomas A. Edison, Labyrinth.
  • Classic Contrasts — Red & white or yellow & purple for striking beds. Arabian Night, Tahoma Kelli.
  • Monochrome — Multiple shades of a single color family for a chic look.

Beyond the Ordinary: Rare & Unique Dahlias

For collectors or those seeking a unique look:

  • Near-Black Blooms — Karma Choc, Arabian Night.
  • Bicolors & Variegated — Polka, BLQ Firecracker, Double Jill.
  • Luminous Pastels — Babylon Bronze, Café de Paris, Appleblossom.
  • Rare Golds & Lavenders — Sandia Brocade, Tahoma Kelli.
  • Unique Forms — Boogie Woogie (anemone), Fancy Pants (star form).

Garden Design Tips with Dahlias

  • Mixing Forms — Combine ball and cactus types for texture.
  • Color Harmony — Group by color families or pair complementary colors for impact.
  • Foliage Contrast — Use dark-leaved varieties like Bishop of Llandaff to frame brighter blooms.
  • Pollinator-Friendly Planting — Include singles and collarettes for wildlife appeal.

Some dahlias never go out of style:

  • Café au Lait — Romantic, oversized, blush blooms.
  • Bishop of Llandaff — Iconic single red blooms with dark foliage.
  • David Howard — Orange blooms with standout purple foliage.
  • Labyrinth — Swirled coral-pink, large flowers.
  • Cornel Bronze — Hardy, weatherproof, glowing bronze balls.
  • Arabian Night — Deep red velvet blooms.

A Dahlia for Every Gardener

Whether you fall for a luminous peach, a near-black velvet, or a spiky cactus bloom, dahlias offer a variety that invites creativity. In Cornish gardens—where vibrant borders meet misty mornings and coastal light—dahlias bring drama, joy, and a painter’s palette of possibilities.

So choose with your heart, plant with confidence, and enjoy a season of color that reflects both tradition and personal flair.

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Written by
Ellory Moss