Dahlias, with their diverse forms and vibrant colors, offer a captivating presence in any garden. Orange dahlias stand out, bringing warmth and energy to outdoor spaces. Their popularity stems from their versatility and visual impact, making them a favored choice for gardeners.
The Appeal of Orange Dahlias
Orange dahlias infuse a garden with a radiant glow, reminiscent of sunsets. The color orange evokes enthusiasm, joy, and warmth, creating a vibrant atmosphere. These blooms serve as striking focal points, drawing the eye with their intense coloration. They integrate beautifully into various garden color schemes, whether complementing autumnal themes with deep reds and yellows, or adding a tropical flair alongside vibrant pinks and purples.
Understanding Dahlia Forms
Dahlias exhibit an impressive array of flower shapes and sizes, referred to as “forms,” each contributing a distinct aesthetic.
Decorative dahlias feature fully double flowers with broad, often flat or slightly rolled petals arranged symmetrically, concealing the central disc.
Ball dahlias produce dense, spherical blooms with blunt or rounded petals that involute for at least 75% of their length, creating a tightly coiled appearance.
Pompon dahlias are similar but typically smaller, forming perfect, globe-like flowers.
Cactus dahlias are recognized by their distinctive, spiky petals rolled inward along more than half their length, giving them a quill-like or tubular appearance.
Semi-cactus dahlias share this characteristic but have broader petals rolled for less than half their length, offering a softer, yet still dramatic, look.
Dinnerplate dahlias are a size classification, referring to varieties with exceptionally large blooms, often exceeding 8 inches in diameter, typically found within Decorative or Informal Decorative forms.
Waterlily dahlias present elegant, fully double blooms with broad, flattened ray florets that resemble water lilies.
Anemone-flowered dahlias feature a central cushion of tubular petals surrounded by a single or double ring of flat outer petals, creating a unique two-tiered effect.
Top Orange Dahlia Varieties
Dahlia ‘David Howard’ is a Decorative dahlia with rich orange flowers that contrast with its dark, bronze-purple foliage. The medium-sized blooms, about 4 inches in diameter, have a subtle velvety texture. This variety grows to approximately 36 inches tall and blooms continuously from mid-summer until the first frost.
Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ is an Anemone-flowered dahlia with tangerine outer petals framing a central cluster of rust-orange tubular florets. Its medium-sized flowers, around 3 to 4 inches across, contribute texture to the garden. This variety reaches about 36 inches in height and is known for vigorous growth and prolific blooming, making it suitable for cut flower arrangements.
Dahlia ‘Apricot Desire’ has soft apricot blooms that blend to pale yellow at the base of their broad petals, embodying the Waterlily form. These fully double flowers measure between 4 to 6 inches wide and are held on sturdy stems. Growing to a height of 3 to 4 feet, ‘Apricot Desire’ blooms from July until frost.
Dahlia ‘Cornel Bronze’ is a Ball dahlia with rounded, bronzy-orange blooms. The tightly arranged petals curve inward, creating a compact appearance resistant to weather. Its flowers are around 4 inches in diameter, and the plant can reach about 4 feet tall, making it suitable for cutting gardens due to its strong stems and long vase life.
Dahlia ‘American Dawn’ is a Decorative dahlia featuring a gradient of coral, peach, and sometimes lavender shades. Its medium-sized blooms, measuring 4 to 5 inches across, have broad, slightly recurved petals. This variety grows to about 36 inches tall and blooms continuously from mid-summer until frost, suitable for borders or as cut flowers.
Choosing the Right Orange Dahlia for Your Garden
Selecting an orange dahlia variety for your garden involves considering several factors. Garden space plays a role, as dahlia varieties vary significantly in height and spread, from compact options suitable for containers to taller specimens for the back of a border. Consider the desired bloom size and overall impact; dinnerplate varieties offer a dramatic statement, while smaller blooms can provide a more delicate or abundant effect.
Integrating the dahlia’s specific shade of orange into your existing color palette is also important. Some varieties feature pure oranges, while others lean towards softer apricot, tangerine, or peach tones, allowing for diverse aesthetic combinations. Consider the purpose for which you are growing them; certain dahlias have long, strong stems, making them excellent for cut flower arrangements, while others are better suited for garden display or container planting. Personal preference regarding bloom form and plant habit will guide your choice.