I really like the AAID one and the yellow ones. That Tahiti Sunrise one with the missing top petals, is that indicative of what all the flowers on that bush will look like? I have a yellow one from seed that didn't develop the top petals on it's first bloom and wonder if all the blooms will be the same.

gladzoe,

No, that Tahiti Sunrise is probably a one-off, the only bloom on the plant that looks like that at this moment. There is another bloom that is "different" also on this plant, but its different in another way...;-]

I don't know why these things happen, but they have always been single bloom problems and not entire bush problems for me.

Cheers,
Russ

Russ- that's what Sandia Joy is supposed to look like. It's a waterlily form -- "Fully double & symetrical, the side view should be flat to saucer shaped in arrangement & the florets should be open faced to give a delicate appearance. The center should be closed & dome shaped breaking gradually to 4-7 rows of fully developed outer florets. Outer florets should be broad & slightly cupped with rounded tips. A bloom position at 45* is preferred but top facing is acceptable. The depth should never be more than one half the diameter of the bloom."
They are intended to resemble a waterlily that floats on a pond.
The late Gordie Leroux of "Kenora Dahlias" fame called waterlily dahlias "half-formed dahlias"!

Plantlady2008,

Sorry, perhaps I didn't make it clear, those Sandia Joy's are considerably larger (e.g. 50% larger) than they're supposed to be. No complaints from me, just surprise!...;-]

Cheers,
Russ

Russ, can you tell me the name of the BFD and the BBWL? I am not up to the lingo. I want to make sure and get both next year. I also have about 6 bushes of a pink and yellow dahlia . It is weird as all the dahlias I ordered this year are supposed to be going from yellows, oranges, reds, coppers, deep purples. Someone slipped me the wrong tubers!

pdshop,

Lol, I usually state the names as well as the "specs." Actually, if you just hold your mouse over each picture you'll get the names...;-]

The BFD is "A La Mode" and the BBWL is "Sandia Joy."

FWIW, so far this year Sandia Joy is the heartiest. Every single plant I put in the ground has bloomed (25+). China Doll next, and Sayonara after that. Tahiti Sunrise has been fickle (earlier cuttings have done well, later cuttings didn't) and Firepot, which I was really looking forward to hasn't had a bloom yet (irregardless how long the cutting had been taken.)

My first dark purples have bloomed (Purple Taiheijo), but I can't get a good picture yet.

Cheers,
Russ

Those are some neat looking dahlias, Russ. You are the envy of the neighbourhood.

I've been away for a while, and when I came back, mine are not as pristine as usual. Too much rain, I think, and not a regular deadheading.

Good to see that wonderful looking "bodacious", and really neat "a la mode".