A Guide To 14 Types Of Dahlia Flowers

Dahlias are known for their dramatic beauty, with shapes ranging from precise petals to lush, romantic blooms. Beyond their visual appeal, dahlias carry a deep cultural and historical significance. Originally cultivated by the Aztecs, these flowers travelled from Mexico to Europe, becoming highly prized globally. Today, dahlias are admired for their versatility in floral design, ideal for enhancing home décor and special occasions. 

This guide introduces the different types of dahlia flowers, explains their historical journey, and reveals their cultural symbolism. We provide insights into why dahlias remain iconic flowers in Singapore and worldwide.

14 Types of Dahlia Flowers

The breathtaking diversity of the dahlia is so vast that official societies, such as the UK's National Dahlia Society, have organised them into 14 distinct classifications. This system is based on the form, size, and arrangement of the flower heads, providing a wonderful language for us to understand and appreciate their unique characteristics.

1. Single Dahlias: The essence of classic charm. These dahlias feature a single outer ring of uniform, often overlapping, flat petals encircling a crisp, open central disc. Their simple, daisy-like beauty provides a natural, almost wildflower feel, making them perfect for relaxed, garden-style bouquets.
2. Anemone-flowered Dahlias: Truly captivating and unusual. Anemone dahlias showcase one or more rows of flat outer petals, which serve as a frame for a dense, pincushion-like centre composed of elongated, tubular florets. This central cushion is often a contrasting colour, creating a dramatic, two-toned effect that adds incredible texture.
3. Collarette Dahlias: Delightfully playful and distinctive. These blooms have a single outer row of large, flat petals, but what makes them special is the inner "collar"—a ring of smaller, often ruffled and contrasting petals that encircle the central disc. Varieties like the famous 'Pooh' are irresistibly cheerful.
4. Waterlily Dahlias: The epitome of grace and serenity. Named for their resemblance to the aquatic flower, Waterlily dahlias are fully double but have a flatter, saucer-shaped profile. Their broad, slightly curved petals create an open, elegant form that lends a sophisticated and tranquil air to arrangements.
5. Decorative Dahlias: This is perhaps the largest and most famous group, the one that comes to mind when most people picture a dahlia. They boast fully double blooms with no central disc visible. The petals are broad with flat or slightly rolled tips. This group is further divided into Formal Decorative, with perfectly regular and symmetrical petal arrangements, and Informal Decorative, where the petals are more relaxed, often twisting or waving to create a lusher, more dramatic look. This category includes the famous giant "Dinnerplate" dahlias, such as 'Café au Lait', which can grow up to 25cm across.
6. Ball Dahlias: These are structural powerhouses in floral design. As the name suggests, their fully double blooms are ball-shaped or slightly flattened spheres, measuring over 5cm in diameter. The petals are beautifully arranged in a spiral, with their edges curved inwards and tips that are rounded or blunted, creating a mesmerising honeycomb pattern. They are exceptionally long-lasting as cut flowers.
7. Pompon Dahlias: The charming miniature of the Ball dahlia. Pompon dahlias are perfectly spherical, petite blooms, typically measuring 5cm or less across. Their tightly packed, inwardly rolled petals form a flawless globe. They are absolutely perfect for adding pops of colour, texture, and a touch of whimsy to any mixed flower bouquet.
8. Cactus Dahlias: For those who love drama and excitement. Cactus dahlias have fully double, starburst-like blooms. Their petals are narrow and pointed, rolling outwards (revolute) for more than half their length, creating a stunningly spiky and dynamic effect that commands attention.
9. Semi-Cactus Dahlias: Offering a slightly softer take on the dramatic Cactus form. The petals of a Semi-Cactus dahlia are broader at the base and are rolled outwards for only about half their length. This gives the bloom a fuller, fluffier appearance while still retaining an exciting, textured look.
10. Miscellaneous Dahlias: This is a catch-all category for any dahlia that doesn't fit neatly into the other classifications. It's a treasure trove of unique and novel forms, showcasing the endless creativity of dahlia hybridisers. It's here you'll find the unexpected stars of the dahlia world.
11. Fimbriated Dahlias: Exquisite and delicate. Fimbriated dahlias can belong to any of the other classifications (Decorative, Cactus, etc.), but what sets them apart is that the tips of their petals are split, creating a beautiful, lacy, or fringed effect. This adds a layer of intricate texture that is simply breathtaking up close.
12. Star (or Single Orchid) Dahlias: These have an elegant, starry shape. They feature a single row of petals surrounding an open disc, but the petals are involute, meaning they are rolled inwards along their length. This creates a unique, star-like outline that is both simple and sophisticated.
13. Double Orchid Dahlias: A rare and captivating form. These are fully double blooms with no central disc visible. Their triangular petals are either rolled inwards (involute) or outwards (revolute), creating a complex, star-shaped flower that looks like it could be from another world.
14. Paeony-flowered Dahlias: As the name suggests, these have an open-centred form reminiscent of a garden peony. They feature two or more rows of petals, which can be flat or slightly curled, surrounding a visible central disc. They have a romantic, slightly untamed look that is utterly charming.

The Rich And Storied History Of The Dahlia

The captivating story of the dahlia does not begin in the carefully manicured gardens of Europe, but rather in the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Mexico and Central America. It is a flower born of mountains, resilience, and ancient reverence.

The Sacred Flower Of The Aztecs

Long before Spanish conquistadors set foot in the New World, the dahlia was an integral part of Aztec life. Known to them by names such as acocoxochitl and cocoxochitl, meaning "water-cane flower," its significance extended far beyond simple ornamentation. 

The Aztecs were master horticulturalists and practical innovators. They cultivated the wild dahlia not primarily for its vibrant blooms, but for its substantial, potato-like tubers, which served as a valuable food source. These tubers, containing a naturally occurring sugar called inulin, provided sustenance and were a staple in their diet.

Furthermore, the dahlia’s strong, hollow stems found a practical use as makeshift pipes for transporting water. The flower also held a place in their medicinal and ceremonial practices, though the exact details have been lost to time. For the Aztecs, the dahlia was a symbol of life, sustenance, and the untamed beauty of their mountainous homeland.

A Journey Across The Atlantic

The dahlia’s introduction to Europe was a direct result of the Spanish Empire's botanical explorations in the late 18th century. In 1789, Vicente Cervantes, the Director of the Botanical Garden in Mexico City, sent seeds from the plant to Antonio José Cavanilles, a prominent botanist at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Madrid. 

Initially, there was great excitement that the dahlia could become a new European food staple, a potential rival to the potato. However, this hope was quickly dashed. The tubers, when grown in European soil and prepared for the table, were found to have a rather unpleasant flavour, failing to capture the continental palate.

But where its culinary potential faded, its ornamental magnificence exploded. Cavanilles and other European botanists were mesmerised by the flower's vibrant colours and its incredible potential for hybridisation. The dahlia's beauty became its new passport to fame.

The Naming Of A Star

In 1791, Abbé Antonio José Cavanilles officially named the genus Dahlia. He did so in honour of Anders Dahl, a highly respected Swedish botanist and environmental pioneer who had tragically passed away two years prior. 

Dahl had been a dedicated student of the legendary Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy. This prestigious naming cemented the dahlia's place in the annals of botanical science and paid tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to the study of the natural world.

From European Novelty To Global Sensation

From the gardens of Madrid, the dahlia's popularity spread like wildfire across Europe. It reached Britain, France, and the Netherlands, where the world's most talented horticulturists began to unlock its genetic secrets. 

Through intensive breeding and selection, the simple, single-petalled wild flower was transformed into the kaleidoscope of forms we know today. The 19th century saw the founding of the first national dahlia societies, as "dahlia mania" swept the continent.

Today, the dahlia's journey has come full circle. In 1963, it was rightfully declared the national flower of Mexico, a proud acknowledgment of its origins. It remains a beloved fixture in British cottage gardens, a star of competitive shows in America, and a cherished bloom in floral design studios from Paris to Tokyo. 

Here in Singapore, its versatility and modern appeal have made it a firm favourite for creating chic and stylish florals that resonate with a contemporary aesthetic.

Beyond The Bouquet: The Versatile Uses Of Dahlia Flowers

The dahlia's profound versatility ensures its place in every aspect of floral artistry and beyond. It is a flower that can be tailored to any mood, theme, or desire.

The Heart Of Floral Artistry

In the hands of a skilled florist, the dahlia is an instrument of endless creativity. The sheer range of colours allows for the creation of stunning monochromatic schemes, soft analogous palettes, or vibrant, complementary contrasts. 

A grand floral centerpiece for a wedding might feature the opulent 'Café au Lait' decorative dahlias, while a chic corporate event could call for the architectural precision of white Ball dahlias. For a hand-tied bouquet meant to convey joy, a mix of playful Collarette and Pompon dahlias in bright hues is unmatched. Their strong stems and impressive vase life make them a reliable and impactful choice for every occasion.

Dried And Preserved Dahlias

The desire for sustainable, long-lasting beauty in our homes has seen a surge in the popularity of preserved and dried flowers. The dahlia is a superb candidate for this art form. Denser varieties with lower moisture content, such as Ball and Pompon dahlias, dry exceptionally well, retaining their intricate form and much of their colour. 

Using techniques like silica gel drying, we can preserve their beauty for years, making them a cornerstone of our stunning dried flower arrangements that bring timeless elegance to any Singapore home.

Culinary And Medicinal Roots

While we certainly wouldn't recommend nibbling on the tubers from our premium fresh-cut flowers, acknowledging the dahlia's history enriches our appreciation for it. 

The Aztecs valued the cocoxochitl tuber not just for calories, but for its high inulin content, a prebiotic fibre and fructose polymer that they would process to create a sweetening agent. It's a fascinating reminder that for much of its history, the dahlia's value was rooted in practicality and sustenance.

At our floral studio, we channel this deep appreciation for the dahlia into every arrangement we create. We believe that such magnificent blooms should be accessible, which is why we are committed to offering premium flowers at affordable pricing. We understand that in a bustling city like Singapore, convenience and reliability are paramount. 

Conclusion On Types of Dahlia Flowers

From a sacred Aztec treasure valued for its life-giving tubers to a global floral icon celebrated for its boundless beauty, the dahlia's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Its magnificent diversity, neatly captured in 14 official classifications, provides a perfect expression for every personality, occasion, and design aesthetic imaginable. 

Explore our curated collection of premium fresh flowers and discover the perfect dahlia for you. For those moments that simply can't wait, our free same-day delivery within your selected time slot ensures your thoughtful gesture of beauty arrives perfectly, or it is FREE.

Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Dahlia Flowers

How Many Types Of Dahlias Are There?

While there are 14 primary classifications based on shape, the number of individual cultivars (named varieties) is staggering. Due to over 200 years of intensive hybridisation, there are now well over 57,000 registered dahlia cultivars worldwide, showcasing an incredible spectrum of colours, sizes, and combinations of forms.

What Is The Most Beautiful Dahlia?

Beauty is highly subjective and personal, but several varieties are consistently lauded for their exceptional beauty. The 'Café au Lait' informal decorative dahlia is world-famous for its large, creamy, blush-toned blooms. Others, like the vibrant pink and yellow 'Labyrinth' or the perfectly formed bronze 'Jomanda' ball dahlia, are also considered exceptionally beautiful by enthusiasts and florists alike.

What Are The Rarest Dahlias?

True "black" dahlias are considered the holy grail for breeders and are extremely rare; varieties sold as black, such as 'Karma Choc' or 'Black Jack', are actually a shade of deep, velvety burgundy so dark that they appear black. Additionally, some complex forms like the Double Orchid dahlia and certain unique heirloom varieties are less common in commercial cultivation and are considered rare finds.

What Are The Three Main Groups Of Dahlias?

While there are 14 official classifications, florists and gardeners often simplify them into three informal groups based on size and use. These are: 1) Dinnerplate Dahlias, the largest-flowered varieties (mostly Decorative and Cactus types) used as focal points; 2) Medium-Flowered Dahlias, versatile blooms for bouquets (like Waterlily and Anemone types); and 3) Small-Flowered or Ball Dahlias, which include Pompons, Balls, and Collarettes, prized for their structural shape and use as textural fillers.

What Is The Difference Between A Ball Dahlia And A Pompon Dahlia?

The primary and defining difference between a Ball dahlia and a Pompon dahlia is their size. Ball dahlias have fully double, globe-shaped flowers that are more than 5cm (2 inches) in diameter. Pompon dahlias are the delightful miniature version, featuring even tighter, perfectly spherical blooms that, by definition, must be 5 cm or less in diameter.