Dahlia 'Kidd's Climax'

Of the maybe 10,000 named dahlias introduced in the 1800s—when dahlias ranked right up there with roses in popularity—only three survive. One of them is 'Kaiser Wilhelm', introduced in 1892. Its 3-inch flowers have neatly curled petals of soft custard-yellow brushed with burgundy, and a green button eye just like that of an old rose. The plant can grow to 5 feet.

The 20th century's most celebrated dahlia is 'Jersey Beauty'. This towering, 4- to 6-foot-tall 1920s classic will produce so many lively, true-pink, classic dahlia flowers that you can cut all you want and still have a great garden display. This selection is exceptionally vigorous and beautiful.

True to its name, 'Bodacious' sports blooms that are a burning combination of colorful, supersize discs on stalks that often grow taller than the advertised 4 feet. The rich color and ruffled effect of the loosely arranged petals make heavy-headed 'Bodacious' a choice cut flower requiring stout staking. A true showstopper, it responds well to lifting and storing over winter.

A reliable and prolific bloomer, 'Bashful' sports petals with colors that combine handsomely with their golden stamens. The blooms have a velvety texture and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Of relatively short stature, 'Bashful' should be planted near the front of a bed, where it will send up an endless succession of richly hued blooms.