Dahlia 'Café au Lait'

Consider the colors of your border. Which colors are predominantly present in the garden? You can let the selection of dahlias depend on the colors you still want to add to the border. Be sure to consider the color wheel for a beautiful and harmonious whole.

Look at the height of the dahlias. Place shorter varieties at the front or in pots, while taller ones can be positioned at the back of the border.

Finally, consider the flower form of the dahlias. Do you mostly have pompom-shaped varieties? Then complement your collection with a cactus dahlia, a ball type, or a dinnerplate dahlia. The different flower forms add extra dynamism to the border and also in a vase.

The decorative dahlia is the most well-known flower form. The blooms have large petals that can be round or pointed, depending on the variety. Because the petals grow so closely together, the flower is very full, and the center is not visible. Decorative dahlias are perfect as an accent in the border and do wonderfully in a bouquet.

Anemone dahlias stand out due to the structure of their blooms. They don't have a classic center but instead boast a massive array of tubular petals. Surrounding these, the ray florets complete the dahlia. With their unique flower shape, they add an airy touch to the border, though they last slightly less long in a vase.

The pompon dahlia might also ring a bell. Their round and sturdy form makes them recognizable and easy to combine in any bouquet. The petals are compactly arranged, and the flower itself is small to medium-sized. They are less beneficial for insects and other pollinators due to their closed flower form, but they do last exceptionally long in a vase. 

Single-flowered dahlias have an open heart with loose ray florets around it. This structure makes this dahlia variety airy and elegant. Their open heart is a feast for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Be sure to include them in your border. Unfortunately, these varieties don't last as long in a vase.

Cactus dahlias have a striking flower shape that immediately draws attention in the border and in a vase. The petals are more tubular with pointed tips.

Collarette dahlias initially resemble single flowers, but they have an extra row of petals. The inner petals are often half as long and in a contrasting color. Their open heart makes them particularly appealing to pollinators. 

Finally, there are also waterlily dahlias. The petals have the same shape as those of the water lily, making them incredibly elegant. They are very suitable in bouquets due to their special flower shape and graceful petals.