Appearance

Growth form

It grows upright from a cluster of tuberous roots. Seed-grown bedding plants labeled Dahlia pinnata are often about 1.5–2 ft (0.45–0.6 m) tall.

Leaves

The opposite leaves may be divided into toothed leaflets, but leaves near the top of a stem can be simple.

Flowers

Each apparent bloom is a flowerhead made of many small flowers. Seed-grown plants sold as Dahlia pinnata can have a range of colors and single or double heads, though some of these plants may be hybrids.

Look-alikes

common zinniaZinnia elegans

Dahlia often has divided lower leaves, though upper leaves can be simple. Common zinnia has simple, stalkless leaves that clasp the stem.

Why they get mixed up · Double zinnia cultivars can have rounded, many-petaled blooms much like some dahlias.

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• flower beds
• containers
• cut-flower gardens

Range

This plant traces to Mexico. Seed-grown bedding forms labeled Dahlia pinnata are planted in gardens, but many plants sold under that name are hybrids.

Preferred conditions

Plant it in a sunny, well-drained bed after the danger of frost has passed.

Growing it

Propagation

Dahlia pinnata can be raised from seed; garden forms can also be multiplied from divided root clumps.

Name and classification

About the name

Garden dahlia (Dahlia × hortensis) is treated as a separate hybrid.

Varieties and forms

Cultivated forms linked to this species vary in flower color and petal arrangement. Decorative, cactus, and ball types occur among modern garden hybrids.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• The genus was named for Swedish botanist Anders Dahl.