Dahlias are a popular flower known for their wide variety of bright, vivid colors. They come in almost every color except blue and are available in a range of color combinations and patterns. Some of the most common dahlia colors include:
Red Dahlias
Red dahlias range from bright crimson reds to deep burgundy tones. They make stunning additions to floral arrangements and bouquets. Some popular red dahlia varieties include:
- Cafe Au Lait – Deep red flowers with yellow tips
- Gallery Art Deco – Vibrant red blooms with yellow centers
- Hapet Mr. Marvelous – Large, fully double dark red flowers
- Karma Choc – Mahogany red petals with chocolate centers
Pink Dahlias
Pink dahlias span from soft pastel pinks to bold hot pink hues. They have a delicate, feminine look. Some top pink dahlia varieties are:
- Hollyhill Spider Pink – Soft pink spider-type flowers with long, thin petals
- White Star – Pale pink flowers that fade to white at the tips
- Waltzing Matilda – Vibrant fuchsia-pink blooms with yellow centers
- Melody Swing – Large double flowers in a deep cerise pink tone
Orange Dahlias
Orange dahlias include sunset shades of peach, coral, and pumpkin. They bring warmth and brightness to gardens and arrangements. Popular orange dahlia types include:
- Orange County – Vivid orange petals with red streaks
- Cornel – Bright pumpkin orange flowers
- Fascination – Soft peach blooms that fade to yellow at the tips
- Mary Eveline – Large double flowers in a warm coral hue
Yellow Dahlias
Yellow dahlias range from pale lemon to bold golden hues. They represent optimism and sunshine. Some top yellow varieties are:
- Cafe Au Lait – Pale yellow flowers that fade to white
- Hillcrest Royal – Deep golden yellow blooms
- Alaska – Bright butter yellow flowers with a white center
- Sunshine – Vibrant lemon yellow flowers with red centers
Purple Dahlias
Purple dahlias include regal shades of lavender, lilac, violet, and mauve. They have an elegant, mystical look. Some popular purple types are:
- Arabian Night – Dark purple blooms that fade to black
- Purple Taiheijo – Soft lilac-purple flowers
- Roland – Orchid-purple spider-type flowers
- Mystic Dreamer – Mauve-purple flowers with white streaks
White Dahlias
White dahlias range from crisp, pure whites to creamy ivories. They represent purity and innocence. Top white varieties include:
- Casablanca – Large fully double white flowers
- Swan Lake – Elegant ivory-white flowers
- White Star – White flowers with soft pink tips
- Alaska – Creamy white blooms with yellow centers
Multicolored Dahlias
Multicolored dahlias showcase a blend of shades like red and yellow or purple and white. Popular multicolor types include:
- Gallery Art Deco – Red petals with bright yellow tips
- Pointsettia – Creamy white flowers streaked with pink and red
- Bloody Mary – Yellow centers fading to deep red outer petals
- Cindy’s Moment – Lavender-pink flowers with white streaks and tips
Dark Colored Dahlias
Dark colored dahlias like maroon, burgundy, and dark purple make dramatic statements. Top dark varieties are:
- Karma Choc – Deep maroon flowers with chocolate brown centers
- Arabian Night – Very dark purple, almost black flowers
- Dracula – Velvety dark red petals with black edges
- Rip City – Intense burgundy blooms with near-black streaks
Pastel Dahlias
Pastel dahlias in soft, muted hues have a delicate, romantic look. Some pretty pastel types include:
- Cafe Au Lait – Pale yellow petals that fade to white
- Hollyhill Spider Pink – Light pink spider-type flowers
- Lilac Time – Subtle lavender-lilac colored blooms
- Alaska – Ivory white petals with pale yellow centers
Unusual Dahlia Colors
While less common, dahlias can also be found in unique shades like green, blue, and black:
- Blue Bayou – Rare, violet-blue flowers
- Green Envy – Pale green flowers that fade to yellow tips
- Nuit d’Ete – Very dark, almost black blooms
- Purple Taiheijo – Lilac flowers that fade to green tones
Popular Dahlia Color Combinations
Some of the most popular dahlia color combinations include:
- Red and yellow – Ex. Gallery Art Deco, Fascination
- Pink and white – Ex. Swan Lake, White Star
- Orange and red – Ex. Orange County, Bloody Mary
- Purple and white – Ex. Mystic Dreamer, Lilac Time
- Contrasting colors – Ex. Rip City, Pointsettia
How Flower Color Develops in Dahlias
Dahlia flower colors develop based on the pigments within the plant cells. The main pigments that create dahlia colors are:
- Anthocyanins – Red, purple, and blue pigments
- Carotenoids – Yellow, orange, and red pigments
- Betalains – Red and purple pigments
- Chlorophyll – Green pigment
These pigments are found in different concentrations and combinations to create the wide spectrum of dahlia flower colors. For example:
- High anthocyanin levels produce red, purple, and blue shades
- High carotenoid content creates yellow and orange tones
- Red dahlias contain both anthocyanins and carotenoids
- Purple dahlias have anthocyanins with low carotenoid levels
- White dahlias lack anthocyanins and contain only carotenoids
In addition to pigment content, other factors like pH, metal ions, and cell structure can influence the final color that develops in the flower. Dahlia breeders selectively breed plants to achieve desired colors and color combinations.
Significance of Dahlia Colors
Like many brightly colored flowers, the vibrant colors of dahlias hold symbolic meaning:
- Red – Love, passion
- Pink – Grace, joy
- Orange – Confidence, creativity
- Yellow – Friendship, optimism
- Purple – Royalty, mystery
- White – Purity, innocence
The colors and combinations can represent different sentiments. For example, red and yellow dahlias together symbolize celebration and excitement. White dahlias represent purity and innocence. Dark maroon or black dahlias suggest mystery and allure.
Dahlia colors also have individuality – no two blooms are exactly alike. Their diversity and depth of color are part of what makes dahlias such a popular flower choice.
Tips for Using Dahlia Colors
Here are some tips for working with dahlias of different colors:
- Combine warm and cool tones like yellow and purple for visual interest
- Use light and dark shades together for dimension – try white with burgundy
- Repeating colors creates harmony – purple and lavender dahlias together
- Contrast bright and pastel hues like fuchsia and peach
- Group varieties of the same color family for impact – orange, peach, and yellow
The number of possible color combinations is endless. Experiment with different dahlia colors and varieties for custom, vibrant flower arrangements.
Growing Dahlias of Different Colors
While most dahlias have similar growing needs, some tips for getting the best color from your plants include:
- Full sun encourages the richest color intensity
- Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering
- Avoid overwatering, which can fade colors
- Use fertilizers higher in phosphorus to amplify colors
- Plant in groups with other bright flowers to make colors pop
With proper care, dahlias will reward you with their signature lively colors from mid-summer until fall frost.
Conclusion
Dahlias are available in a spectacular spectrum of colors, ranging from common shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, and white to more unusual hues of green, blue, black. Their bright, vivid colors are created by pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids within the plant cells. Color combinations like red and yellow or pink and white are popular. Dahlia colors hold symbolic meaning and their diversity allows for endless creativity and customization in floral design. With proper growing conditions of full sun, deadheading, and avoiding overwatering, dahlias will showcase their rich, colorful blooms. Their expansive range of colors is part of what makes dahlias such a beloved flower.
