Dahlias are flowering plants that are annual in places where it snows, but in Melbourne’s mild climate will reappear year after year. They typically grow from tubers and develop into robust, bushy plants with lush green foliage, and produce large, showy flowers from mid-summer until the first frost, adding a burst of colour to Melbourne gardens. The plants vary in height, ranging from dwarf varieties that reach around 30 centimetres to towering specimens that can surpass 1.5 meters. The show-stopping blooms of dahlias come in a vast assortment of colours, including vibrant reds, sunny yellows, rich purples, and delicate pastels. The flower forms range from elegant single petals to intricate double or cactus-like blooms with spiky petals. This striking visual display plus the fact that they produce great cut flowers make them a Melbourne cottage garden favourite.