A collection with a story to tell...
BDSTT
Four beautiful dahlias, each with a story behind its name. Rooted in history, remembrance, folklore or simply a charming garden tale, these blooms carry more than beauty, they carry curiosity, mystery and a little magic.
Whether fact or folklore, each story adds something special to the flowers and connects generations of gardeners through the tales they share.
Four dahlias. Four stories. One beautiful collection of Formby Stacey, Penhill Watermelon, XanZu William and Kenora Challenger
To read these stories, click Product Information below.
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Product information
Formby Stacey
Formby Stacey was bred in Tasmania by renowned Australian dahlia breeder George Harding, who created more than 100 varieties under the Formby name. His breeding legacy became closely associated with this remarkable family of dahlias.
But Formby Stacey has a more personal story. Stacey was one of Harding's granddaughters, and her name was given to this beautiful flower as part of a collection that also included Formby Kaitlin and Formby Louisa.
So this dahlia carries more than a breeder's name, it carries a family name. A little piece of family history, planted in the garden and continuing to bloom.
Penhill Watermelon
The story of Penhill Watermelon begins in South Africa with dahlia breeder Walter H. Maritz. Historical records place Maritz at Dahlia Garden, Penhill, and the name Penhill became his signature, appearing across a remarkable family of large-flowered dahlias.
Then, in 2000, came Penhill Watermelon. The name combines its origins with the flower itself, Penhill for its breeder's garden and Watermelon for the warm, juicy shades that inspired the name.
More than 20 years later, the name still carries a little piece of its South African history. A place, a breeder, a legacy — and one unforgettable dahlia.
XanZu William
XanZu William was named by Australian breeder after a young man who was close to their hearts. The name became a simple and lasting way to carry his story forward.
Every time the flower blooms, that connection lives on — a reminder that some plant names represent more than a variety; they represent a person, a memory and a reason.
We may not know every detail of the story, but perhaps that is part of its charm. A flower may last a season, but a name can last much longer.
Kenora Challenger
The story of Kenora Challenger begins in the USA in 1991 with dahlia breeder Gordon “Gordy” Leroux. It was named for Kenora, Ontario, Leroux’s birthplace, and according to historical dahlia records, in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster of 1986.
Five years after the tragedy, this beautiful bloom emerged. It went on to become a celebrated show dahlia, winning Best Dahlia in Show at the 2009 American Dahlia Society National Show.
A flower born of remembrance, now remembered for its beauty. Either way, we rather like the mystery.
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