Dahlias

[dms1972]

Dahlias are a favorite of mine. I have been growing these in pots in a back yard for a few years now. The number of varieties of this flower is amazing. As well as huge range of colours there are upwards on a dozen flower shapes, from spikey 'cactus' blooms, to tightly packed 'pompom' varieties, as well as huge varieties with 'dinner plate' sized blooms.

Here's a couple of pictures of my own attempts:

 

[alsughasoughaiuyfygh]

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[dms1972]

No, none in black.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Dahlias are some of my favorite flowers!

I discovered them by buying two small plants many years ago. I planted them in the front flower bed (NW FL) where the drip line of the roof meant they received LOTS of rainwater. They spread into huge mats and stayed covered with flowers the entire season.

I've tried to find comparable ones and planted many over the years. But while they have been lovely (some of the large lavender-purple ones are amazing!) ... I've never found any to form such clumps since then.