6 Common Types of Dahlias to Choose From for Your Garden or Bouquet

But there's really no wrong choice here.

Dahlias are striking summer flowers. Native to Mexico and Central America, dahlias are popular choices for wedding flowers—thanks in part to their symbolism of commitment—and they even have a history of being used for medicinal properties. There are thousands of types of dahlias, varying in shape, pattern, and a wide range of colors, so we can't share them all here. Instead, we're sharing some of the most popular categories of dahlias, most of which are named for how they resemble other flowers and plants.

Related: 27 Most Popular Perennial Flowers and Plants for Your Garden

Single Dahlias

These are perhaps the most simple in flower structure of the different dahlia types—but they're still striking nonetheless. Single dahlias have an appearance similar to that of daisies, with a single layer of uniformly spaced petals with an open center disc. The dahlia 'Moonfire' variety, pictured above, features bright yellow-orange that get darker and more fiery red toward the center.

Anemone Dahlias

Anemone dahlias consist of two distinct parts that give them a whimsical and unique appearance. They have an outer ring of broad, flat petals and a center that's densely packed with small tubular florets. The 'Totally Tangerine' variety, pictured above, features an outer layer of light pink petals surrounding bright pink and orange-tipped florets in the center.

Orchid Dahlias

Orchid dahlias are quite distinct in appearance. Rather than layers of flat, overlapping petals, orchid dahlias have single-layered blooms with long, tubular petals that roll inward. Pictured above is the 'Honka Surprise' variety, which features petals with yellow-orange coloring on the frontside and light-to-vibrant pink coloring on the backside.

Waterlily Dahlias

Waterlily dahlias have broad, layered petals. The flat layering of the petals gives the flowers an appearance similar to that of waterlilies, hence the name. Pictured above is the dahlia 'Caballero' which features red-orange petals with light yellow outlined edges.

Cactus Dahlias

Cactus dahlias are named for their long, tubular petals that somewhat resemble the spikes of a cactus. The petals are rolled backward, creating a fine tip at the ends. Semi-cactus dahlias are very similar to the cactus varieties, but the petals are only rolled for about half of their length, meaning the petals are still spiky at the ends but broader toward the base, which gives the flowers an overall softer appearance.

Pompom Dahlias

Pompom dahlias are the kind of flower that will stop you in your tracks and turn your head. The petals on these dahlia types are tightly rolled and densely packed, creating a spherical pompom shape, rather than the more outward and flat shape of typical garden flower.

Related: How to Make Flowers Last Longer, According to Florists

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