There is something magical when dahlias are in bloom in the summer garden. With their vibrant in-your-face colors, intricate petal formations, and stately presence it is hard to gaze away from the glamorous dahlia.

It only seems fitting that these spectacular flowers should look so ethereal especially given how their origins can be the makings of a fairytale story complete with villains, heroes, espionage, and even deadly sacrifices.

To read the global adventures of the glamorous dahlia flower and its origins dating back to the Aztecs in Mexico, then to France, to England, and eventually the world, take a look at this very entertaining story of the dahlia flower Curse of the Dahlia. Bloody human sacrifices, a duped smuggler, and a possessive empress mark the dahlia’s stormy passage to fame and fortune.

“Some people find dahlias distasteful. Their fulsome blooms, top-heavy with an excess of petals, are considered vulgar….the conspicuous flaunting of so much provocative beauty can evoke a sense of foreboding. Perhaps the flower, nurtured and loved by tragic Empress Josephine, who traded on her looks but lost Napoleon, is destined to be suffused forever with her jealous melancholy. Certainly the brutal destruction of a sophisticated civilization paved the way for the dahlia’s introduction to the West. Oh, the troubles it’s seen!”  from Strangers in the Garden. The Secret Lives of Our Favorite Flowers.  by Andrew Smith.

There is absolutely nothing that outshines dahlias when they are blooming in the summer garden. When other flowers are struggling in the heat, dahlias look stately, decadent and gorgeous. These spectacular flowers come in rich vibrant colors in all shapes and sizes pleasing us with an array of blooms.

More blooming dahlias in my summer garden.

Dahlias in an array of sun rays shapes and sizes

Fresh picked dahlias ready for a few bouquets

Dahlia bouquets to enjoy indoors

Dahlia bouquet from every angle.

Made this bouquet for my neighbor. Each side has it’s own unique beauty in this arrangement.

These giant dinnerplate dahlias are spectacular.

These purple and white and purple striped dahlias were so big I had to cut the stalk down so I could float them in a bowl. But once the blooms touched the water the petals stood straight up into a cactus flower like shape. Soooo pretty! I took a few pictures.

Dahlia oh dahlia, how do I love thee?  Dahlia love 💕 💐

A dahlia by any other name would look as beautiful.
Dahlia. King of the Summer Garden.