Dahlia Izarra

Dahlia 'Izarra' is a variety of yellow and orange bicolour star-shaped flowers from the Orchid Dahlia group. Its tapered petals, with more or less curled edges, are randomly bordered or maculated with orange on a bright yellow background. They radiate from the centre of the flower, occupied by a golden yellow heart. The flower, very elegant and flame-like, deserves to be highlighted in the garden or in a bouquet, with light flowers or dark foliage. Semi-hardy, its roots can remain in the ground until temperatures around -8°C (17.6°F).

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the approximately 75,000 horticultural varieties created by humans have invaded, to our greatest pleasure, gardens all over the world. Dahlia 'Izarra' is a deciduous perennial plant with swollen tuberous roots. These tubers, gathered in bundles, produce upright, hollow and ramified stems in spring, as soon as the temperature rises, bearing compound, odd-pinnate leaves with rounded leaflets. The strong, fleshy stems are approximately 70-80cm (28-32in) tall and end in inflorescences called heads, about 7 to 8cm (3in) wide. The foliage of this variety is a bright green colour.

To encourage flowering, make sure to remove faded flowers, or even better, regularly make large colourful bouquets by combining it with other varieties of warm colours. 'Izarra' pairs particularly well with discreet flowers and purple foliage (bugbanes, Heucheras) that won't overshadow the delicacy of its flowering. Offer it companions such as love-in-a-mist, Cosmos, Centaureas, and Scabious that flower at the same time, as well as asters and Buenos Aires Verbena.

As a star of borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuber was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities relegated it to the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.

Tips: When planting, take into account the dimensions for the composition of your flower beds.