Common Names:
- Dahlia
- Garden Dahlia
Scientific Name:
- Dahlia spp.
Family & Genus:
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Dahlia
Description:
Dahlias are stunning, multi-petaled flowers that come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Blooms can range from small, 2-inch pompoms to massive, dinner-plate-sized flowers over 10 inches in diameter. Petals may be pointed, rounded, or frilled, arranged in intricate layers that create mesmerizing patterns. Available in nearly every color except true blue, dahlias are prized for their versatility and bold visual impact. They grow on tall, upright stems, making them a favorite for cut flowers and garden displays.
Habitat & Origin:
Native to Mexico and Central America, dahlias thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. They prefer moderate climates and need consistent moisture during their growing season. Their tuberous roots allow them to survive dry periods and regrow each year in suitable conditions.
Symbolism & Meaning:
- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias represent strength, inner grace, and the ability to stand out with confidence.
- Commitment and Love: Often associated with eternal bonds and lasting partnerships.
- Diversity: The flower’s variety of forms and colors symbolize embracing differences and individuality.
- Warning: In Victorian times, dahlias were sometimes used to express betrayal or warning.
Uses:
- Ornamental: Dahlias are popular in gardens for their long blooming season and dramatic appearance.
- Cut Flowers: Their durability and striking forms make them ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Breeding: With thousands of cultivars, dahlias are continually bred for unique colors and shapes.
Flower Care:
To keep cut dahlias fresh:
- Cut them early in the morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Place stems in clean water immediately after cutting.
- Change the water daily and recut the stems to improve absorption.
Flowering Season:
Dahlias bloom from mid-summer to the first frost, providing a vibrant splash of color during late-season gardens.
Varieties & Hybrids:
- Dinner Plate Dahlias: Large, showy blooms ideal for dramatic displays.
- Pompon Dahlias: Small, round blooms with tightly packed petals.
- Cactus Dahlias: Spiky, elongated petals for a bold, textured look.
- Collarette Dahlias: Feature a single row of petals with a collar of smaller, contrasting petals around the center.
- Ball Dahlias: Perfectly round blooms with spiral-arranged petals.
Interesting Facts:
- Dahlias are the national flower of Mexico and were considered sacred by the Aztecs.
- They are named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl.
- The tubers of dahlias were once used as a food source in pre-Columbian Mexico.
- There are over 42 recognized species and thousands of cultivars of dahlias.