Two dahlia varieties stand out as must-haves at our farm: the ethereal white and pale purple Bloomquist Compare dahlia and the equally captivating Shiloh Noelle. We began cultivating Shiloh Noelle in 2018, adding Bloomquist Compare to our fields in 2021. Both have proven to be romantic, reliable, and exceptionally vigorous dahlias. Their beauty and dependability have made them essential for various floral designs, from stunning flower walls to delicate wedding bouquets – whenever the most exquisite, fluffy pastel blooms are required, these are our go-to choices.
When comparing Bloomquist Compare dahlia and Shiloh Noelle side-by-side, Bloomquist Compare edges out slightly, primarily due to its more manageable plant size and superior tuber production. However, the dinner plate-sized blooms of Shiloh Noelle possess an incredibly charming and pillowy texture that secures its place in our collection year after year. Both varieties boast strong stems and share a strikingly similar pastel color palette. Yet, Shiloh Noelle grows to a slightly shorter height and produces flowers approximately twice the size of Bloomquist Compare.
Shiloh Noelle is classified as a giant informal decorative dahlia, characterized by petals that gracefully twist and twirl, creating a captivating, winsome appearance. In contrast, Bloomquist Compare dahlia exhibits blooms with a tidier, though still subtly wild, formal decorative form.
Our farm’s collection of over 700 named dahlia varieties for 2023 is carefully curated not only for breathtaking beauty but also to foster significant genetic diversity for seed production. The ability to compare varieties like Bloomquist Compare and Shiloh Noelle directly allows us to meticulously observe their height, vigor, and seasonal changes. It’s also fascinating to discern the distinct traits and preferences of different hybridizers reflected in their dahlia creations.
We hope you are enjoying this Variety Comparison series and are keen to know: which of these pastel dahlia beauties captures your heart?
