Dahlia Dahlia 'American Dawn'
ABOUT
Dahlia 'American Dawn' is a striking flowering plant that showcases a captivating blend of colors and forms, making it a standout addition to any garden display. The flower heads of this variety are composed of lush petals, which exhibit a gradient of hues starting from a deep coral at the base, softly transitioning into a lavender-pink, and often culminating with a touch of creamy yellow at the tips. The petals are neatly arranged in layers that create a voluminous and spherical bloom, often exuding a sense of elegance and vitality. The flowers themselves are known for their substantial size, contributing to the plant's dramatic presence. The foliage of the Dahlia 'American Dawn' is equally noteworthy, characterized by deep green leaves that have a slightly glossy appearance, serving as a perfect backdrop to the vibrant flowers. These leaves are typically pinnate with pointed leaflets which may have serrate edges, providing a contrasting texture element within the plant's architecture. Multiple stems emerge from the base, giving rise to numerous buds that each holds the promise of becoming yet another magnificent bloom. In full flourish, Dahlia 'American Dawn' is a plant that emanates lushness and robust vitality, often attracting the gaze of passers-by as well as various pollinators like bees and butterflies that are enticed by the plentiful and nectar-rich flowers. Its color palette and shape make it a popular choice for gardeners looking for a specimen that offers both visual impact and a touch of the exotic.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia x hortensis
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlia is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, if parts of the dahlia are ingested in large quantities, they may cause mild stomach upset or irritation. Symptoms could include nausea, diarrhea, and discomfort, but significant poisoning is unlikely. It is always prudent to keep any plant material out of the reach of small children who might ingest it, due to their sensitivity and the potential for choking hazards.
To pets
Dahlia is considered to have a low level of toxicity to pets, such as dogs and cats. If pets consume parts of the dahlia plant, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which could include symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Generally, the consumption of this plant does not lead to severe poisoning, but owners should still discourage their pets from eating ornamental plants and should monitor for any signs of distress if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Color Display: Provides a burst of color with its gradation of pink, coral, and yellow hues.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites bees and butterflies to the garden, aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Extended Blooming: Enjoys a long flowering season from summer through the first frost, offering sustained beauty.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for borders, beds, and containers, which allows for varied garden designs and uses.
- Cut Flower Production: Ideal for creating bouquets and arrangements with its sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to various soil types and relatively easy to maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Diverse Forms and Sizes: Comes in a range of sizes and flower shapes, providing options to suit any garden space or style preference.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: Dahlias can be used in producing natural dyes for fabrics, giving colors ranging from yellow to orange, depending on the part of the plant used.
- Edible Tubers: Dahlia tubers are edible and can be used as a root vegetable, similar to a potato, in various culinary dishes after careful preparation to remove bitterness.
- Garden Design: With its vibrant colored flowers, Dahlia 'American Dawn' can be used to create visually striking patterns and focal points in garden landscapes.
- Photography: The striking beauty of Dahlias makes them a popular subject for photographers and artists who wish to capture their intricate patterns and vivid colors.
- Floating Decorations: Dahlia flowers can float on water, making them a perfect natural decoration for bowls and water features at events and in-home decor.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Petals of the Dahlia flower can serve as biodegradable confetti for weddings and celebrations, reducing waste and environmental impact.
- Fashion Inspiration: The varied colors and patterns of Dahlia flowers provide inspiration for fashion designers in creating floral prints and motifs for clothing and accessories.
- Cake Decoration: Edible Dahlias can be crystallized with sugar and used as elegant and organic cake decorations.
- Learning Tool: Dahlias, with their range of colors and forms, can be used as educational tools for botany and horticulture students studying plant morphologies and hybridization techniques.
- Craft Supplies: Dried Dahlia petals and heads can be incorporated into craft projects, such as making bookmarks, potpourri, or decorative wreaths.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias, with their intricate petals and striking appearance, symbolize an enduring grace and a sense of high sophistication.
- Change and Variety: Dahlia 'American Dawn', like all dahlias, comes in various shapes and colors, signifying diversity, change, and a wide spectrum of experiences in life.
- Commitment and Bond: Due to their layered petals and strong stems, dahlias are often associated with a lasting commitment and the everlasting ties of a lasting relationship.
- Creativity: The vivid colors and patterns of the Dahlia 'American Dawn' can represent inner strength, standing out from the crowd, and a vibrant creative spirit.
- Personal Growth: Dahlias' ability to bloom from a small tuber into a stunning flower reflects personal growth and the idea that beauty and fulfillment can emerge from a humble beginning.
WaterDahlias, including the 'American Dawn', prefer consistent moisture especially during their growing season, but they do not tolerate waterlogged soil. Typically, Dahlias should be watered two to three times per week, providing about an inch of water each time. Adjust the frequency depending on weather conditions; more frequent watering may be necessary during dry spells or high temperatures. When watering, aim to soak the soil around the roots deeply; this encourages the roots to grow down deeper into the soil. For potted Dahlias, water until it begins to drain out of the bottom, but always let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases and do not let the plant sit in standing water
LightDahlias, including the 'American Dawn' variety, perform best in full sun which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Place them in a location where they can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day for optimal growth and bloom production. It's crucial to avoid letting them be shaded out by other plants as Dahlias need plenty of light to thrive. In extremely hot climates, however, light afternoon shade may help prevent heat stress
TemperatureDahlias, including the 'American Dawn', thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F which are ideal for their growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F, but frost is a significant threat and can damage or kill the plant. It's important to plant Dahlias after all danger of frost has passed and to dig up and store the tubers before the first frost of fall to prevent damage
PruningPruning is essential for Dahlias, like 'American Dawn', to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Pinch out the growing tip above the fifth set of leaves to encourage bushiness. As for deadheading, remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. The best time for major pruning is late winter, just before new growth starts, but deadheading should be done consistently as flowers fade
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in a loamy, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand is ideal, ensuring proper drainage and aeration while retaining enough moisture.
RepottingDahlias, including the 'American Dawn' variety, should typically be repotted every year, generally in the spring when new growth begins. They are not grown as perennial in pots and instead, their tubers are stored during winter and replanted.
Humidity & MistingDahlias, like 'American Dawn', prefer moderate humidity levels. Aim to maintain relative humidity around 40-60% for optimal growth. They do not require high humidity environments and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sun after frost, keep soil moist but well-drained.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Dahlia 'American Dawn' begins with the sprouting of tubers planted in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, developing a stem, leaves, and a robust root system. Following vegetative growth, the Dahlia 'American Dawn' initiates the flowering stage, producing vibrant blooms typically from midsummer through the first frost in fall. After the flowering stage and as temperatures drop, the plant starts senescence, where the aerial parts die back, leaving the tubers dormant underground through the winter. Gardeners often dig up and store Dahlia tubers in a cool, frost-free place during winter to protect them from freezing. With the return of warmer temperatures in the following spring, the cycle begins anew when the stored tubers are replanted.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Dahlia 'American Dawn' is by dividing tubers, which is typically done in the spring just before the last frost date when soil temperatures begin to warm. First, the parent plant is dug up and any soil is gently removed from the tubers. These tubers, which resemble a cluster of brown, fleshy roots, each have potential to become a new plant. It's important to ensure that each divided section contains at least one eye, which is a small bud from which new growth will emerge. The cut surfaces are then allowed to dry for a day or two to form a protective callus which helps prevent rot. Once callused, the tuber sections can be planted about 6 to 8 inches deep (15 to 20 centimeters) in well-drained soil. Careful watering and waiting for the warmth of the season will then coax them into growth, giving rise to new Dahlia plants.
