![Decorative Dahlias](https://cdn.magzter.com/1424151990/1697195229/articles/f4yjQobo21697543575679/DECORATIVE-DAHLIAS.jpg)
Dahlias have surged in popularity in recent years, renowned for their striking appearance and performance in cut flower gardens. While their intricate blooms may make you think they are tricky to grow, these plants are surprisingly easy to care for with the right start – sun-kissed, nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
Originating from Central America, dahlias were historically used as a food source, for medicinal purposes, and even in construction. The genus, named after botanist Anders Dahl, made its European debut in the late 18th century, quickly securing its status as a must-have cut flower. These perennials, now famous among gardeners and floral enthusiasts, grow from tubers planted in spring and emerge in summer.
Varieties
There are many distinct types of dahlia to choose from, often categorised by their flower shape. You’ll find adorable names like ‘Pompon’, ‘Anemone’, ‘Miniature Ball’, and ‘Informal Decorative’, each with unique colours and cultivars.
The larger varieties, aptly named ‘Dinnerplate dahlias’, are particularly popular at the moment. But with so much variety between plants, you’re bound to find something you’ll fall in love with.
Planting
Denne historien er fra November 2023 -utgaven av The Gardener.
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Denne historien er fra November 2023 -utgaven av The Gardener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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![FIRE AND Feathers!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8989/1730759/V_4nKhj9U1719831969238/FIRE-AND-FEATHERS.jpg)
FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
![GET THE ladies in!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8989/1730759/0EvHGz4Bv1719831828504/GET-THE-LADIES-IN.jpg)
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
![Vegetable Soups and dumplings](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8989/1730759/5CwRXGYeV1719831075858/VEGETABLE-SOUPS-AND-DUMPLINGS.jpg)
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
![Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8989/1730759/Kw_7QbVuK1719830913668/YUMMY-SWEET-POTATOES-FOR-YOUR-GOOD-HEALTH.jpg)
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
![Pretty and functional](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8989/1730759/AUrf3kjlx1719830524042/PRETTY-AND-FUNCTIONAL.jpg)
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
![Dried Seedheads & Pods](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8989/1730759/HKwjjWpjd1719830254645/DRIED-SEEDHEADS-PODS.jpg)
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
![SO MANY FACES and so many choices...](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8989/1730759/HpldBpxN-1719828541500/SO-MANY-FACES-AND-SO-MANY-CHOICES.jpg)
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
![COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8989/1730759/o3bAnUq_i1719828067410/COLOURFUL-COLD-WEATHER-WINNERS.jpg)
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
![What makes a garden sustainable?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8989/1730759/GIjoi6Jfy1719827453297/WHAT-MAKES-A-GARDEN-SUSTAINABLE.jpg)
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
![Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8989/1730759/_piilJ2Rw1719826544534/NURTURING-NATURETHE-STORY-OF-KRAAL-GARDENS-TRANSFORMATION.jpg)
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.