The Engelhardt's Matador dahlia is an impressive and dramatic variety hybridized by Siegfried Engelhardt in Germany in 1993. It is highly prized for its "wow factor," featuring vibrant, jewel-toned blooms that contrast strikingly against dark, bronze-green foliage. Color: Purple / Fuchsia. Displays saturated, "shocking pink" to deep magenta-purple blooms. The color is often described as a vibrant, high-pigment fuchsia that can transition from magenta to hot pink as it opens. Form: Formal Decorative (FD). Features neatly layered, symmetrical petals in a full, rounded shape. ADS Classification: 3009 (Medium Formal Decorative Purple) or 4009 (Miniature Formal Decorative Purple) depending on specific cultivar size. Bloom Size: Small (BB) or Medium (B). Typically produces blooms ranging from 6 to 8 inches (15–20 cm) in diameter. Height: Tall. A vigorous, upright grower that reaches approximately 3.5 to 4.5 feet (100–120 cm) tall. Performance: High-Impact Garden & Cut Flower. Known for being very floriferous with beautiful long stems that hold blooms high above the foliage. Because it is a "top-heavy" variety, growers often recommend staking to support its large, heavy blooms.
