Dahlia Hapet Daydream

The Dahlia 'Hapet Daydream' is a variety of recently named 'ball' Dahlia, whose almost tricoloured pompom flowers do not go unnoticed. Of medium size and pompom-shaped, they are organized in countless alveoli, in a superb gradient of fuchsia pink and yellow that gives the flowers exceptional relief. The plant, of tall stature, blooms abundantly from summer to frost on long purplish stems. Magnificent in the background of flower beds, this variety also offers excellent cut flowers.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family, they are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico and bear inflorescences in heads, which we commonly call 'flowers'. Currently, the approximately 25,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens around the world.
The 'Hapet Daydream' variety, launched in 2020, is still rare in the French horticultural trade. The plant will measure approximately 1.20m (4ft) in height and 70cm (28in) in diameter after 3 to 4 months of cultivation. It is classified among the Dahlias of the decorative group with Ball-type flowers. In this category, the heads are without a visible center and composed of numerous petals (ligules) regularly arranged and completely rolled up on themselves, tubular, and never unfurling. It includes varieties that form true balls, such as pompoms (diameter less than 6cm (2in)) and balls (diameter greater than 6cm (2in)). The heads of this Hapet Daydream variety generally measure 8-9cm (3-4in) in diameter. The outermost ligules are a vivid fuchsia pink, while the flower's center displays golden to cream-white tones. The plant has an upright habit, and its stems may require staking. The flowering of this variety begins in July and ends in October-November, if care is taken to remove faded flowers or to make bouquets frequently. The very branching stems, very long but strong, are hollow and the leaves are opposite and pinnately lobed, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 very toothed lobes. The leaves here are dark green, and the stems are reddish.

To encourage repeat flowering, take care to remove faded flowers, or even better, regularly make large colourful bouquets by combining it with other varieties. 'Hapet Daydream' produces beautiful flowers in bouquets, alongside single or pompom-flowered varieties, white, pink, or even purple. This variety contrasts beautifully with the bronze or purple foliage of fennel or the acid green of lady's mantle. In flower beds, this Dahlia will create highly coloured spots alongside grasses like <strong/s>foxtail barley and cordifolius asters (Little Carlow), for example, which flower at the same time. Its long, highly-flowered stems allow for bouquets to be embellished until late in the season.

As a star plant in borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities relegated it to the status of an ornamental plant. The Dahlia, with its infinitely varied shapes and colours, is now considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden.