Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Dahlia
Species: D. imperialis
Binomial name: Dahlia imperialis
Form name: Dahlia imperialsi 'California Angel'
Common name: Dahlia 'California Angel',Double White, Double White Tree Dahlia
Dahlia imperialis 'California Angel' is a double flowered form of a tree dahlia first named in 2005 by Wayne Roderick a California plantsman. Dahlia imperialis originates from Central America. The trees are actually tuberous perennials just like dahlia plants. This form of the giant tree dahlia makes a clump of bamboo-like stems to 5m tall. In June-July, the clumps are topped with large double white blooms.
Dahlia imperialis have two varieties with very double flowers, There is a pink variety is called 'Double or Nothing' and a white variety called 'California Angel'.
Photographed at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth.