The dahlia’s name is believed to have been coined by the Director of the Royal Gardens in Madrid, Antonio José Cavanilles; he named the flower after another botanist named Anders Dahl. Native to the mountainous regions of Mexico, the flowers also are prolific in Central America, and Colombia. Popular around the world, they have a stunning appearance and come in hundreds of hybrid varieties, primarily garden flowers. As members of the Asteraceae family, dahlia flowers are directly related to sunflowers, daisies, zinnias and mums; and like their relatives, they love the sunlight.

These flowers are cultivated in a broad range of colors, patterns and sizes. From white to dark magenta to gold; from less than a foot high to over 6 feet tall – the dahlia is uniquely diverse. There are only two colors the dahlia has not been bred in – dark blue, and black. The dahlia also has intriguing shapes and appearance; divided into 8 different types including ball (or pom), cactus flowers and decorative flowers.

Not surprisingly, this multi-faceted flower also has a wide range of meanings. It can signify elegance and dignity; inner strength and creativity; or can be a representation of someone staying true to their sacred values, including commitment. Because of that connotation, dahlias are considered appropriate for engagement bouquets, or floral arrangements for weddings or anniversary.

Whatever reason you find to send flowers, the dahlia is easy to incorporate into any bouquet. Come talk to us at Mission Viejo Florist and let us show you the many faces of the dahlia.