Dahlia Dahlia 'Bayou' (PBR) (Anem)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

The Dahlia 'Bayou' is characterized by its stunning and vivid blossoms which capture the eye with their rich display. The flowers bloom in a captivating arrangement of petals that resemble the spokes of an intricate wheel. Each petal boasts a gradient of color, often transitioning from deep burgundy at the base to a lighter shade towards the edge, creating a two-toned effect that is quite striking. In some cases, the tips of the petals may even appear almost white, adding to the dynamic appearance of the flower head. The plant itself is robust, with sturdy stems that hold the flower heads aloft with a sense of pride and stateliness. These stems are usually green, providing a pleasing contrast to the bold colors of the blooms. The foliage of the Dahlia 'Bayou' complements its flowers with lush, green leaves that have a shape typical of the dahlia family, exhibiting slight serrations along the edges which add texture to the plant's overall appearance. It is also important to note that the flowers of the Dahlia 'Bayou' come in a generous size, making them particularly showy and attractive as a centerpiece in a garden display or as cut flowers in a bouquet. The blooms are known to be full and voluminous, with layers of petals that create a sense of depth and opulence. When in full bloom, this variety of dahlia brings an air of sophistication and drama to any setting. Ideal for gardeners looking for an eye-catching specimen, it stands out among other plants with its unique coloring and substantial floral girth. Whether admired up close or from a distance, the Dahlia 'Bayou' is a plant that promises to enchant onlookers with its beautiful display.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Asteraceae
- Synonyms
  Bayou Dahlia, Anemone Dahlia, Anemone-Flowered Dahlia
- Common names
  Dahlia 'Bayou' (PBR) (Anem).
Toxicity
- To humans
  Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that the Dahlia 'Bayou' variety contains any substances that would be harmful to humans if touched or ingested. Consequently, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant for humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is always wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plant material that is not commonly recognized as food.
- To pets
  Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Bayou', are not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. They are generally considered safe for pets, and there are no well-documented cases of Dahlia poisoning in pets leading to serious illness. Therefore, ingestion of this plant typically does not cause any severe symptoms. However, as with humans, pets can sometimes have individual reactions or gastrointestinal upset if they consume plant material that is not part of their normal diet. If any unusual symptoms are observed after ingestion, it would be prudent to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  4 feet 10 inches (1.47 meters)
- Spread
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  8
- Native area
  Mexico

Benefits

General Benefits
- Vibrant Aesthetics: Dahlias like 'Bayou' offer bright and striking flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Diversity in Design: With varied forms and sizes, dahlias are versatile in garden design, fitting into borders, containers, and as cut flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Dahlias are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias have a long flowering period from midsummer to the first frosts, providing prolonged garden interest.
- Easy to Grow: They are generally easy to cultivate in well-drained soil and with adequate sunlight, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Reusable Tubers: Dahlia tubers can be lifted and stored during winter for replanting the following year, offering long-term value.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Dyes: The petals of a Dahlia can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a variety of shades from pinks to yellows depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: Dahlias, with their intricate petals and vivid colors, are excellent subjects for macro photography, which can reveal the minute details of their structure.
- Companion Planting: Dahlia plants can be used in the garden to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, benefiting the surrounding plants that require pollination.
- Culinary: Though not widely known, the tubers of some Dahlia varieties are edible and can be used in the same way as other root vegetables like potatoes.
- Garnishing: Petals of the Dahlia can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts, although they should be eaten sparingly as not all varieties are palatable.
- Edible Flowers: Some Dahlia flowers are edible, and can be crystallized or used fresh to decorate cakes and pastries.
- Art and Craft: The beauty of Dahlia flowers can inspire artists and crafters to incorporate their designs into paintings, fabric patterns, and paper crafts.
- Wedding Decor: Dahlias are popular for wedding bouquets and centerpieces due to their vibrant colors and full blossoms, symbolizing commitment and an everlasting bond.
- Floating Decor: The blooms of a Dahlia can float, making them suitable for decorative purposes in water features or as part of a table centerpiece.
- Plant Stakes: After the Dahlia plant has expired, its hollow stems can be dried and used as natural plant stakes for supporting other garden plants.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Dignity: Dahlias are often associated with dignity due to their striking and elegant blooms, suggesting a sense of pride and self-respect.
- Change and Variety: The wide variety of colors and forms in dahlias symbolize diversity and adaptability, indicating a positive change or transition.
- Commitment and Bond: Giving dahlias can symbolize a lasting commitment or bond, making them popular in floral arrangements for special occasions that celebrate relational dedication.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, dahlias carry historical significance and are considered national symbols, as in Mexico where they represent cultural identity and heritage.
- Inner Strength: The dahlia's robust nature and striking appearance can signify inner strength, reflecting the ability to stand out and remain strong through life's challenges.

💧

Every 3-5 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Dahlias require consistent moisture to thrive, but overwatering can cause bulb rot. Water your Dahlia 'Bayou' deeply to encourage strong root growth, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water per week, depending on the weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water every other day, but always check the soil moisture first; it should be moist, not soggy. Cut back on watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall. It's best to water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry out, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Light
Dahlias need full sun to bloom well, so place your Dahlia 'Bayou' in a spot where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is acceptable, especially in hotter regions, to prevent midday scorching. The ideal location would be one where they get morning sunlight and some protection from the intense afternoon heat.
Temperature
Dahlias thrive in moderate temperatures and will start to suffer if it gets too cold or too hot. The ideal temperature range for Dahlia 'Bayou' is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can tolerate temperatures up to 90 degrees but should be protected from heat stress. They're sensitive to frost and should not be planted outside until all danger of frost has passed, with a minimum survivable temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Dahlias benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. For Dahlia 'Bayou', pinch out the growing tip above the third set of leaves when the plant stands about 12 inches tall. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote further blooming. After the first frost, cut back the stems to about 4-6 inches from the ground before digging up the tubers for winter storage.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for growing Dahlia 'Bayou', commonly known as Anemone Dahlia, should be well-draining and fertile with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix consisting of loamy garden soil, compost, and peat moss or coco coir can provide the nutrients and drainage necessary for optimal growth.
Repotting
Anemone Dahlias typically don't need to be repotted often; they should be replanted annually in the spring after the last frost date when grown in containers, with fresh, well-draining soil mix to refresh nutrients.
Humidity & Misting
Anemone Dahlias prefer moderate humidity levels. They can thrive in the ambient outdoor humidity in most temperate climates without the need for additional humidity control measures.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright indirect light and rotate for even growth.
- Outdoor
  Plant in sunny spot after frost; enrich soil with compost.
- Hardiness zone
  8-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Dahlia 'Bayou' begins with seed germination or tuber planting in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. The plant then develops a sturdy stem and leafy foliage as it matures in the growing season, benefitting from full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Throughout the summer, the dahlia produces its distinctive and vibrant blooms, which can range in colors and are often used in landscaping for their showy appearance. After flowering, if deadheaded regularly, the dahlia can continue blooming until the first frost. As temperatures drop in autumn, the above-ground part of the plant dies back, and the tubers enter a dormant phase over winter. Gardeners typically lift and store the tubers in a cool, frost-free place before replanting the following spring to restart the growth cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Bayou', an anemone-flowered type of dahlia, is through division of its tubers. This is ideally performed in the spring just before the new growth begins. When dividing dahlia tubers, ensure that each division has at least one eye or bud from where the new shoot will grow. The tubers should be carefully cut apart with a sharp knife, and the cut surfaces allowed to dry slightly before planting to avoid rot. These divided tubers can then be planted directly into the garden, about 4 to 6 inches deep (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters), and spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters). Proper care regarding the planting depth and spacing will facilitate good air circulation and ample room for growth, reducing the risk of disease and fostering a healthier plant.