Dahlia Dahlia 'Arabian Night' (D)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Arabian Night' boasts luxurious deep burgundy blooms, almost black in some lights, which are richly layered with velvety petals. These petals, in a perfect harmony, gradually curve inwards creating a distinctive pompom shape that Dahlia enthusiasts admire. Throughout its blooming period, it offers a continuous display of color and form, with each flower being a stunning individual masterpiece. The color contrast is striking against its deep green foliage, which serves as a lush, verdant backdrop to the intense floral display. The leaves are typically pinnate, with leaflets arranged in a feather-like pattern along the stems, but the focus of this plant is surely the dramatic flowers that can span a considerable width and create a show-stopping presence. The Dahlia 'Arabian Night' is a favored choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of drama and a splash of luxurious color to their garden tapestries.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Arabian Night Dahlia, Arabian Night.
Common names
Dahlia 'Arabian Night'
ToxicityTo humans
The Dahlia is not considered poisonous to humans. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that ingesting dahlias causes any significant toxic reactions in humans. Consequently, there are typically no symptoms associated with dahlia poisoning, as it is generally regarded as safe.
To pets
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Arabian Night', are generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. They are not listed among plants that are known to cause poisoning in pets. Therefore, ingestion of dahlias should not result in any significant symptoms of poisoning, and no severe consequences are expected. However, it is always wise to prevent pets from consuming plants as individual animals might react differently, and gastrointestinal upset could occur from ingesting plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Dark red
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Blooms: Dahlia 'Arabian Night' produces rich, dark red flowers that add dramatic color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Its bold blooms can be used in a variety of settings including borders, beds, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Season: This dahlia typically flowers from midsummer to fall, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: With proper care, Dahlia 'Arabian Night' is relatively easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of different skill levels.
- Reuse of Tubers: The tubers can be lifted and stored over winter for replanting the following year, reducing the need to purchase new plants annually.
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: The deep red-burgundy petals of the Dahlia can be used to create natural dyes for textiles or art projects.
- Eco-friendly pest control: The Dahlia can attract predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that help control pest populations in a garden.
- Edible tubers: Although not common, the tubers of some Dahlias, possibly including 'Arabian Night', can be eaten when cooked and are similar to sweet potatoes in texture.
- Floristry training: Due to their complex structure, Dahlias like 'Arabian Night' can be used in advanced floristry courses to teach intricate arrangement techniques.
- Garden photography: The striking appearance of the Dahlia 'Arabian Night' makes it an excellent subject for garden photographers and hobbyists looking to enhance their portfolios.
- Companion planting: Dahlias can be planted alongside vegetables to increase biodiversity in a garden and may help to deter certain pests.
- Creative crafts: The petals of the Dahlia can be used in crafting for making organic confetti or for inclusion in homemade paper for a touch of color.
- Thematic gardening: With their dramatic appearance, 'Arabian Night' Dahlias can be used to create a night-themed garden area or moon garden due to their dark coloring.
- Watercolor inspiration: The vibrant colors of 'Arabian Night' petals make them a popular choice for artists seeking inspiration for watercolor paintings.
- Feng Shui: In the practice of Feng Shui, vibrant flowers like the Dahlia 'Arabian Night' can be used to add energy and vitality to a space, enhancing the chi.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are often associated with the bonds that last forever, representing commitment to another person or a cause.
- Change and Diversity: With the variety of shapes, sizes, and colors that dahlias exhibit, they symbolize embracing change and diversity.
- Elegance and Dignity: The 'Arabian Night' dahlia, in particular, with its deep, rich hues, evokes a sense of elegance and dignity.
- Creativity: Dahlia's unique patterns and vibrant colors are often linked to an outburst of creativity and inspiration.
- Inner Strength: The robust nature of the dahlia plant which allows it to thrive in diverse conditions symbolizes inner strength and the ability to withstand challenging circumstances.
- Warning or Betrayal: In certain cultural contexts, dahlias can also represent a warning or betrayal due to some of the flower's historical significance.
WaterDahlias, including the 'Arabian Night' variety, appreciate consistent moisture but do not tolerate being waterlogged. It's ideal to water them with about 1 inch of water per week, increasing to 2 inches during hot, dry periods. Water dahlias deeply to encourage deep root development by applying water directly to the base, avoiding overhead watering which can promote disease. During the growing season, particularly in the absence of rainfall, water once or twice a week. Make sure the soil is well-draining and reduce watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall.
LightThe 'Arabian Night' dahlia thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Place the plant in a location free from shadows cast by buildings or trees, ensuring it gets ample sunlight from morning through the afternoon.
TemperatureDahlias like 'Arabian Night' prefer temperate conditions and generally perform best when the daytime temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 50°F, but frost can be detrimental to dahlias. They also tolerate higher temperatures up to about 90°F, but it's essential to provide adequate watering during hotter weather to keep them healthy.
PruningPruning dahlias, including the 'Arabian Night' variety, encourages a bushier plant and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continued blooming throughout the season. Cut back the stems to about 4-6 inches after the first frost in autumn when the foliage has blackened. The best time for more substantial pruning is early spring when you can remove any weak or dead stems before the new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in a fertile, well-drained soil mix with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. The best mix for Arabian Night Dahlia would include equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. Compost or well-rotted manure can also be added to enrich the soil.
RepottingArabian Night Dahlias, like other dahlias, should be repotted when they outgrow their current container or every spring to replenish the soil. Tubers should be divided every few years to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer moderate humidity levels, but they are not overly sensitive to humidity fluctuations. Ensuring good air circulation around the Arabian Night Dahlia will help prevent issues related to high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure pot has good drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Arabian Night', commonly referred to simply as Arabian Night Dahlias, begin life as tubers planted after the last frost when the soil has warmed up. They sprout stems and leaves, relying on warm weather and well-drained soil to grow. The foliage forms into bushy plants, and the distinctive dark red, almost black, blossoms emerge in mid-summer. These flowers continue to bloom prolifically until the first frost of fall. As temperatures drop, the plant's aerial parts die back, and the tubers can be dug up, cleaned, and stored in a cool, frost-free place during winter. The cycle starts anew when the tubers are replanted after the danger of frost has passed in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia 'Arabian Night', a popular ornamental plant known for its deep burgundy-red flowers, is commonly propagated through division, a method best carried out in the spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy and the tubers are beginning to sprout new shoots. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of tubers from the ground after the threat of frost has passed, using a fork to avoid damaging the tubers. Clean off any excess soil so you can clearly see the individual tubers and their eyes, which are the points from which new shoots emerge. With a sterile, sharp knife, divide the clump by cutting the tubers into sections, making sure each division has at least one eye. Let the cut surfaces dry for a few hours to form a protective callus. Finally, plant the divided tubers in well-draining soil about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep and allow them to grow in a warm, sunny location, watering them to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
