Dahlia Elmo Ruffle by breeder Beekenkamp is turning heads not only for its vivid, fiery looks but also for the playful personality behind its name!!
Part of the LaBella Maggiore Fun series, this variety bursts with oversized, ruffled petals in an energetic orange-red shade. Indeed, it is a color instantly reminiscent of the beloved Sesame Street character Elmo!!
Dahlias Themselves Are Experiencing a Major Revival
While not an official collaboration, the visual likeness has become a clever and memorable talking point, helping this Dahlia stand out in an increasingly competitive ornamental plant market.
Dahlias themselves are experiencing a major revival, which nobody saw coming! After years of being considered a ‘classic’ or even old-fashioned garden flower, they have reemerged as a trendsetter in design-forward gardens, container plantings, and social-media-friendly displays.
Blending Horticultural Performance With a Playful Cultural Association
Their bold forms, long flowering season, and wide color range make them ideal for gardeners seeking high-impact plants that photograph beautifully. This renewed popularity has pushed breeders to introduce even more expressive varieties, and consumers are responding enthusiastically.
What sets Elmo Ruffle apart, however, is the unique marketing angle. Instead of relying solely on technical cultivar descriptions, Beekenkamp has leaned into the character-inspired charm of the plant.
Elmo Ruffle represents the direction the Dahlia trend is heading: bold flowers, strong visual identity, and a healthy dose of fun. By blending horticultural performance with a playful cultural association, Beekenkamp has created a variety that doesn’t just brighten the garden... it brings a smile before it even blooms!!!
Photos by Mr Plant Geek (Michael Perry).
