Babylon Red

Babylon Red is unapologetically dramatic, a large formal decorative dahlia in saturated ruby to crimson red. Her broad, fully double blooms build into a substantial, sculptural flower with enough size to feel luxurious without losing structure. The color is rich and intense, with deeper tones toward the center that give the bloom beautiful depth.

📖 From the journal of Hedge & Alchemy

This one came to me as Lady Darlene, but the mystery finally unraveled. I had two mislabeled clumps from the same purchase: one turned out to be Gloriosa, and this one is Babylon Red.

She is a completely different creature from Lady Darlene. The blooms are large, richly red, and beautifully full, with broad petals that create a dramatic, almost velvety effect. Mine has been impressive simply for the sheer presence of the flowers, and I’m very glad to finally have the mystery solved.

📋 Cultivar Notes

• Breeder / Hybridizer: Fa. Van Slageren
• Year of Introduction: 2001
• Origin: Netherlands
• Form: Formal Decorative (FD)
• ADS Classification Number: 2006 (B / Medium / Formal Decorative / Red)
• Bloom Size: Approximately 6 to 8 inches
• Cut Flower Status: Excellent. The large blooms and sturdy stems make her a strong focal flower in arrangements.
• Show & Exhibition Flower Status: Yes. She is an established exhibition cultivar.

🌸 In the Garden

• Bloom: Large, fully double ruby-red to crimson-red flowers with broad overlapping petals and a full formal decorative center.
• Plant Height & Habit: Typically around 3 to 4 feet tall, with a vigorous, upright habit.
• Growing Notes: Productive and substantial, with flowers that benefit from disbudding if you want maximum bloom size.
• Tuber Yield: Still being tracked at Hedge & Alchemy.