Dahlia Flower Classification
Tender perennials that belong to the anemone family of flowers, dahlias are classified by three different characteristics. While each dahlia association has the ability to set its own classification system for its own competitions, most systems group dahlias according to size, bloom type and color. Does this Spark an idea?
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Size
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Dahlia size classification is based on the diameter of the flowers. Size classifications for the American Dahlia Association range from mignon single and pompom, both under 2 inches across, to giant, for blossoms over 10 inches across.
Bloom Type
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Dahlias are valued for the range of bloom types available. The National Dahlia Society of the United Kingdom lists varieties including: single blossomed, with a flat circle of petals; anemone, with a single circle of petals circling a dense puff of florets; and pompom and ball varieties, with 16 bloom types.
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Color
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Both the American and National Dahlia Societies base color classification on the color of the ray florets, or the outer petals, but if the center of the flower is distinct enough, a secondary color classification will be added. The two are distinguished in the classification by uppercase or lowercase letters. Dahlia colors run the full range of the rainbow, and color classes includes bicolor, dark blend, light blend, and variegated.
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References
- Photo Credit dahlia image by dodie from Fotolia.com
