When it comes to sheer variety of colors and shapes in the garden, it's hard to beat dahlias. These easy-to-grow flowers come in an almost infinite range of hues, from creamy white to the palest pink, sunny yellow to regal purple, crimson red to (almost) black, and everything in between. Some dahlias even bloom in multiple colors at once; these unique dahlia flowers have bi-color or variegated petals.

In fact, there are more than 60,000 named varieties of this popular garden flower! But color isn't the only characteristic that makes dahlias look so different.

Dahlias grow in a range of shapes, too. From single-flowering orchid dahlias to puffy pom pom dahlias, decorative dahlia blooms run the gamut of size, form and color.

With their beautiful flowering late summer bulbs, dahlias add great fall color to your garden. Read on to learn more about the many colors and forms of dahlia flowers.

Do Dahlias Come in Different Colors?

Dahlia flowers bloom in a virtual rainbow of colors. The American Dahlia Society recognizes 42 species, several subspecies, and about 60,000 named varieties. Dahlias can further be categorized into 15 different colors and combinations.

What Color are Dahlia Flowers?

Decorative dahlias come in many colors. Let's take a look at the many flower colors you'll see when growing dahlias.

Red Dahlia

Red dahlias bring a vibrant splash of fiery color to your garden. Here are some popular varieties of red dahlias:

• 'Arabian Night': Deep burgundy blooms grow to about 3.5 inches wide
• 'Babylon Red': Long-lasting, 8-inch dinner plate blooms in a striking hue
• 'Bishop Llandaff': Beloved by bees and gardeners alike, this small red dahlia boasts scarlet petals and dark foliage
• 'Creve Couer': 11-inch dinner plate blooms atop sturdy stems, these vibrant red flowers stand over 4 feet tall
• 'Red Cap': 4-inch wide flowers bloom in bright crimson make a perfect choice for cut flowers
• 'Red Fox': Compact plants that bloom with deep red, 4-inch flowers

White Dahlia

White dahlia complement any hue in your landscape plantings. Popular white dahlias include:

• 'Boom Boom White': A white ball dahlia with gorgeous 5-inch blooms
• 'Center Court': This white dahlia is a prolific producer of 6-inch white blooms atop sturdy stems
• 'Lancrese': A 4-inch, creamy white ball dahlia that grows from small tubers.
• 'Peta's Wedding': Produces a profusion of stunning, creamy 3-inch blooms
• 'Snowcap': Flat white petals with a whimsical touch of green in the center.
• 'White Dinner Plate': These show-stopping, pure white dahlia blooms grow to 10 inches wide
• 'White Onesta': A prolific bloomer, this flat white dahlia reaches 3.5 inches wide

Pink Dahlia

From soft baby pinks to dramatic hot pink, popular pink dahlia varieties include:

• 'Cafe au Lait': Elegant creamy pink flowers grow to 9 inches wide and stun at weddings and events.
• 'Chilson's Pride': These 4-inch white and pink beauties fade to blush in the summer heat.
• 'Esli': An abundance of 3-inch pink dahlia blooms
• 'Herbert Smith': The tubers may be small, but these bright pink dahlia grow to 6 inches wide.
• 'Rebecca Lynn': Profuse, small pink blooms reminiscent of bubble gum
• "Sandra': Adds drama to any landscape with hot pink petals in a true ball shape.
• 'Sweet love': Pale pink blossoms with creamy white edges fade to a soft blush over time.
• 'Triple Lee Dee': Unusual pink-salmon hue atop compact plants.

Yellow Dahlia

Yellow dahlia add a cheerful touch of sun to any landscape.

• 'Golden Torch': Round, sunny yellow balls perfect for cut flower arrangements.
• 'Kelvin Floodlight': Huge, long-lasting yellow blooms that reach 10 inches wide.
• 'Polventon Supreme': Soft yellow dahlia bloom in balls atop long branches.
• 'Sun Kissed": Sturdy stems topped with bright yellow petals.
• 'Yellow Perception': Eye-catching 4-inch blooms have yellow petals tipped with white.

Purple Dahlia

Royal, regal purple dahlia bring elegance and drama to the garden.

• 'Babylon Purple": Huge dinner plate blooms in a regal shade of purple.
• 'Blue Boy Dahlia": Perhaps the closest option to a blue dahlia, this lilac dahlia attracts butterflies.
• 'Diva': Deep, royal purple dahlia blooms on sturdy stems.
• 'Ferncliff Illusion': Palest lilac blossoms reach up to 8 inches wide.
• 'Precious': A purple-lavender bloom that fades to white.

Why do Dahlias Look So Different?

Color isn't the only thing that sets dahlia apart. Dahlia also grow in a range of forms. Common shapes include:

• Ball dahlia have a flattened top, with petals that grow in a spiral shape.
• Cactus dahlia petals grow in a starburst shape.
• Mignon dahlias have round ray florets.
• Orchid dahlia have an open center with a ray of florets surrounding a disc.
• Pompom dahlias grow in a rounded shape and have curved petals.

No matter which dahlia variety you choose, growing dahlia adds color, texture and interest to your garden.