Explore the captivating National Dahlia Collection, a gem that was miraculously preserved from vanishing, thanks to a dedicated individual.
The National Dahlia Collection, a treasure trove of over 5,500 unique dahlia varieties, has found a new home at the Kehelland Trust in Cornwall. The collection, previously housed at Varfell Farm, was rescued by local horticultural lecturer Louise Danks and a team of volunteers in 2021.
Louise, who has a deep affection for dahlias, learned the art of dahlia cultivation from two of the finest growers in the business during her time at Varfell. Her favourite varieties include 'Cameo', 'Apple Blossom', 'Glorie van Heemstede', 'New Baby', 'Striped Vulcan', and 'Pooh - Swan Island'.
The new home of the collection is a half-acre grassy field, ideal for dahlias as the soil is light, sandy, and free-draining. This sanctuary of delight offers a perfect setting for both Kehelland's clients and the loyal volunteers who keep the collection thriving.
The dahlia field, now a quarter of the size of the previous one, has been arranged in classification order, organized by flower form, size, and colour. Visitors can marvel at the vibrant blooms of 'Franz Kafka', a floriferous pompom with perfectly round balls of bright lilac-pink, or the striking quilled flowers of 'Karma Yin Yang', with petals of iridescent red tipped in white.
Other standout varieties include 'Hazel Bear', an orchid-flowered dahlia with pink, yellow, and white blends on quill-shaped petals, and 'Happy Single Wink (= 'HS Wink')', with glowing pink petals stained plum at the base. For those seeking something truly unusual, 'Dahlia merckii', a species dahlia with dainty, pinky-mauve single flowers approximately 5cm in diameter, is a must-see.
One of the most striking additions to the collection is 'Violet Lou Lou', a big shaggy bi-coloured decorative dahlia with D. 'Café au Lait' in its parentage. Another eye-catching variety is 'Royal Blood', offering deep-red flowers with yellow centres from midsummer to the first frosts.
The collection, which belongs to the Dahlia Society UK and is managed by Louise Danks, will be closed this summer while she and her team tackle the mammoth task of lifting and dividing all the tubers. The collection is expected to reopen next year from July to October.
For more information about the National Dahlia Collection, visit plantheritage.org.uk. The Kehelland Trust's website can be found at kehellandtrust.org.uk, and the address is Kehelland, Camborne, Cornwall TR14 0DD.
The dahlia field continues to be a source of inspiration and joy for all who visit. With its vibrant colours and unique varieties, it is truly a haven for dahlia lovers and horticultural enthusiasts alike.
One final standout variety is 'Weston Pirate', a collarette dahlia with prolific red and yellow blooms (75cm across). Its cerise counterpart, 'Limozine Dean', with its cerise petals and yellow centre, makes it glow from the other side of the field. These and many other varieties await visitors when the collection reopens next year.
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