CHALLENGE FLOWERS

What’s a Challenge Flower?

Every year the Cincinnati Dahlia Society chooses a dahlia variety to grow as a group. When show time arrives in September, the challenge is to see who grew the best one. Just for fun! Join our challenge. 

Not familiar with the classification codes below? Learn about them here!

  • 2025 Show 'N' Tell

    Blooms of red with contrasting yellow tips. The blossoms are slightly lacinated, with good stems on a 4' plant.

    Size: A
    Form: LC
    Color: BI

  • 2024 Herb Smith

    Heirloom dahlia first introduced in the 1960's. The semi-cactus blooms are a bright bubblegum pink.

    Size: BB
    Form: SC
    Color: DP

  • 2023 Peaches N Cream

    Stunning peachy-pink petals toward the center that fade to white at the tips.
    Size: M
    Form: FD
    Color: BI

  • 2022 Ova Joe

    Beautiful yellow blooms are tipped in white. Hybridized by a CDS member and introduced in 2015!
    Size: BB
    Form: FD
    Color: BI

  • 2021 Neon Splendor

    A beautifully bright and cheerful shade of sun kissed orange blooms on a 4′ plant.

    Size: B
    Form: ID
    Color: FL

  • 2020 Mary Munns

    An adorable lavender pompom dahlia. Nice strong stems and good stem length.
    Size: P
    Form: P
    Color: L

  • 2019 Pam Howden

    Waterlily dahlia with shades of dark peach to glowing yellow gives the impression that is lit from within.
    Size: WL
    Form: WL
    Color: LB

  • 2018 Kenora Wildfire

    Wildfire says it all. Brilliant, striking bright red blooms that never fade.
    Size: A
    Form: SC
    Color: R

  • 2017 AC Ben

    A light blend of orange and yellow, and a high petal count.
    Size: AA
    Form: SC
    Color: LB

  • 2016 Parkland Rave

    Super productive as a cut flower. Blooms stand erect.
    Size: BB
    Form: IC
    Color: L

  • 2015 Zorro

    An outstanding dark red dinner plate sized dahlia.
    Size: AA
    Form: ID
    Color:DR

  • 2014 Vassio Meggos

    Enormous pink flowers with hints of violet and lavender.
    Size: A
    Form: ID
    Color: L

  • 2013 Robann Creamsicle

    A perfect shade of papaya and tipped with pale pink. It was hybridized by a CDS member!

    Size: BB
    Form: ID
    Color: BI

  • 2012 Brookside J Cooley

    Size: M
    Form: ID
    Color: Y

  • 2010 Tarahiti Lilac

    Size: BB
    Form: IC
    Color: LB

  • 2009 Robann Royal

    Size:
    Form: MB
    Color: L