Meadowburn Clara Helen Decorative Dahlia

Meadowburn Clara Helen Decorative Dahlia

Experience the timeless charm of Dahlia ‘Meadowburn Clara Helen’, a unique heirloom with royal magenta petals gracefully fading to creamy white—each bloom is a wonderful surprise. Named for the Coster-Gerard family’s grandchildren, its mesmerizing bicolor blooms evoke the romance of a dusky twilight garden. This elegant and playful flower adds historical depth and visual poetry to both cutting beds and mixed borders.

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Details

• Form: Formal Decorative 

• Bloom Size Class: BB (4–6 inches) 

• Plant Height Category: Medium (up to 4′ / 48″) 

• Stem Strength: Strong—excellent for cutting, with stiff stems that support its decorative blooms (common to formal decorative varieties)

• Unicorn Status: Rare heirloom—part of Meadowburn’s storied collection, cherished for over a century 

• Primary Color: Rich magenta

• Secondary Color: Creamy white (with variation in coloring across blooms) 

• Plant ID (SKU): [Insert 4-digit SKU]

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A Bit of History

Dahlia ‘Meadowburn Clara Helen’ is one of seven heirloom cultivars that have graced Meadowburn Farm’s gardens since the era of Helena Rutherfurd Ely (late 19th to early 20th century) . Though many of the original names were lost, this cultivar has been lovingly preserved by Meadowburn's gardeners and named in honor of the Coster-Gerard grandchildren . Its bicolored elegance and early blooming nature make it a favorite among modern growers searching for botanical heritage with flair .

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Ideal For

• Cutting gardens – bold, long-lasting flowers that bring intrigue to bouquets.

• Mixed borders – its variable blooms create delightful contrast and movement.

•  Heirloom or heritage-themed gardens – a living tribute to gardening history.

• Small container displays – compact size and dramatic coloration offer refined focal points.

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Pairs Well With

Dahlia ‘Helena Rutherfurd Ely’ – its warm yellow-bronze tones beautifully complement the cooler bicolor blooms. 

Dusty mauve roses or pink astilbe – soft, muted tones highlight Clara Helen’s vivid magenta and creamy hues.

Silver foliage plants (e.g., Artemisia, Dusty Miller) – the silvery gray accentuates its rich bicolor palette.