Dahlia coccinea aka Red Dahlia

Dahlia coccinea, also known as the red dahlia, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to Mexico, it is widely cultivated in various countries for its vibrant and showy flowers. This variable herbaceous perennial can reach heights of 1.2-1.5m, and occasionally up to 3m, with branched stems that are brown-purple in color. The leaves are toothed, dark green above and paler below, measuring up to 40cm in length and ranging from simple to three-pinnate. The single flowerheads, which bloom from summer to autumn, are 8-10cm across and feature golden centers surrounded by ray florets. While the most common color is bright orange-scarlet, the flowers can also be yellow, orange, dark maroon, or even multi-colored. If grown as a houseplant, the red dahlia requires regular watering and thrives best in direct light, preferably within one foot of a window. It prefers well-draining soil and can benefit from the addition of a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season.