Joanne Mason Photography

I found this unusual dahlia growing in a neighbor’s garden, and I was intrigued by its appearance. The flower did not seem similar to what I’d come to think of as traditional dahlia flowers, which usually boast a compact shape, neat arrangement, and curled petals that create a tidy look. Further research revealed that there are actually 49 species of dahlias and thousands of cultivars (or more); many different varieties exist, encompassing a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes. This includes the fluffy “open-petaled” blooms like this one, which stand out with dramatic and eye-catching features. These particular dahlias are often referred to in the trade as “dinnerplate” dahlias.

If anyone knows and grows dahlias like this and can give me more information, I’d appreciate it.