Bednall Beauty Dahlia 'Bednall Beauty' (Misc/dwb)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Bednall Beauty' is a captivating plant known for its striking flowers and lush foliage. The blossoms are particularly eye-catching, characterized by their full, dense petals that create a rounded, almost fluffy appearance. The flowers radiate in a deep, velvety red hue, with each petal elegantly tipped in snowy white, giving the blooms a dramatic contrast and a sense of depth. This exquisite coloring makes them stand out in any garden setting. As for the plant itself, it features sturdy stems that hold the blooms high, allowing them to make a statement. The foliage is typically deep green, providing a rich backdrop that further accentuates the beauty of the flowers. The leaves are shaped in a way that complements the overall bushy and vibrant appearance of the plant, making it a popular choice for gardeners who wish to add a touch of sophistication and drama to their floral displays. The dahlia's overall structure and form contribute to its ornamental value, with a harmonious arrangement of blooms and foliage that invites onlookers to pause and admire. Although we are not detailing its size, you can envision a plant that is proportionate and balanced, fitting well within a garden context where its color and form can be fully appreciated. Dahlias, in general, are known for their showy appearance and 'Bednall Beauty' is no exception, with its stunning flowers being a highlight of the late summer and autumn garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Bednall Beauty Dahlia, Garden Dahlia.
Common names
Dahlia 'Bednall Beauty'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Bednall Beauty', are not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting any part of the plant typically does not result in poisoning or adverse health effects. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as a general safety precaution.
To pets
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Bednall Beauty', are generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of this plant should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning or long-term health consequences in pets. Some animals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts, but this is not common. As with any non-food plant, it's still best to prevent pets from ingesting plant material to avoid any potential stomach discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Dahlias are known for their vibrant and varied flower colors, sizes, and forms, making 'Bednall Beauty' a visually striking addition to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of 'Bednall Beauty' attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Cut Flower Use: Dahlia flowers are long-lasting when cut, making 'Bednall Beauty' an excellent choice for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Competitive Shows: Dahlia enthusiasts often grow 'Bednall Beauty' for dahlia competitions due to its distinctive looks and form.
- Seasonal Color: Dahlias bloom from midsummer to the first frost, providing color in the garden when many other plants start to decline.
- Garden Design: With its bold blooms, 'Bednall Beauty' can be used in garden design to create focal points or to brighten up a border.
- Easy Propagation: Dahlias can be easily propagated from tubers, cuttings, or seeds, allowing gardeners to share and spread 'Bednall Beauty'.
- Container Gardening: 'Bednall Beauty', like other dahlias, can be grown in containers, making it suitable for patios, balconies, and small spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft: The large, vibrant blooms of dahlias can be used as inspiration for art projects or even integrated into mixed media artwork as a natural element.
- Photography: Dahlias, with their intricate petals, provide a stunning subject for macro photography, showcasing the intricacies and patterns of nature.
- Teaching Tool: Educators can use dahlias to illustrate plant biology topics, such as flower structure, pollination, and color variation.
- Fabric Dye: The petals of dahlias can be boiled to produce a natural dye for fabrics, lending them a unique, botanical hue.
- Salad Garnish: Some dahlia varieties have edible flowers and can be used to add a splash of color to salads or as a unique edible decoration on dishes.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried dahlia petals can be used as an eco-friendly confetti option for celebrations, as they are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment.
- Natural Insect Deterrent: Dahlia leaves have been known to repel certain insects and can be planted strategically in the garden to reduce pest infestations.
- Plant Pairing for Visual Contrast: Dahlias can provide striking visual contrast when paired with foliage plants in a garden setting, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
- Garden Markers: The sturdy stems of cut dahlias can be repurposed as natural, biodegradable markers in the garden for identifying different plantings.
- Mood Enhancer: The bright and diverse colors of dahlias can be used in floral arrangements to improve mood and mental well-being within indoor spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlias are not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance: The Dahlia 'Bednall Beauty' is known for its intricate petals and stunning appearance, which is often associated with sophistication and refined taste.
- Dignity: Dahlias are symbols of dignity due to their poised and graceful form, making them a popular choice for occasions that celebrate accomplishments or personal growth.
- Commitment: Given as a gift, a dahlia may represent a lasting bond and commitment between two people, as the flower stands strong and blooms for an extended period.
- Creative Spirit: The diverse and vivid colors of dahlias often symbolize creativity and the ability to stand out from the crowd with unique beauty.
- Change: Dahlias bloom from midsummer through fall, which can represent transition and the embracing of new phases in life.
WaterDahlias require consistent moisture, so water 'Bednall Beauty' dahlias deeply once to twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not soggy. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain adequate moisture levels. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again. Overwatering or allowing the plants to sit in water can lead to rot, so ensure good drainage. Adjust the watering schedule during rainy spells to avoid excess water. In general, dahlias prefer about 1 gallon of water per plant per week under normal conditions.
Light'Bednall Beauty' dahlias thrive in locations that receive full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. They perform best when placed in a spot that gets direct sunlight during the morning and partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. Ensuring adequate light is crucial for the plant's vigorous growth and blooming. However, in extremely hot climates, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from scorching.
TemperatureDahlias, including 'Bednall Beauty', grow optimally in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure healthy growth and flowering, it's best to plant dahlias after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees. They will continue to flourish until the first fall frost.
PruningPrune 'Bednall Beauty' dahlias to encourage bushier plants, more blooms, and maintain plant health. Cutting back the main stem by pinching out the growing tip after the plant has reached about 16 inches tall will stimulate side branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage further blooming and maintain the plant's appearance. The best time to prune for shaping and deadheading is throughout the growing season, as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer well-draining soil with rich organic matter; a good mix would be equal parts garden soil, peat or compost, and perlite or sand. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0 for Dahlia 'Bednall Beauty'.
RepottingDahlia 'Bednall Beauty' should be repotted annually, usually after the dormant period in the winter or early spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like Dahlia 'Bednall Beauty' thrive in average humidity levels but will tolerate a range from somewhat dry to a bit more humid conditions, ensuring good air circulation to prevent issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Bednall Beauty' begins its life cycle as a tuber planted in the spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up. It then sprouts and grows stems and leaves, often requiring staking to support its tall growth. Throughout the summer, 'Bednall Beauty' enters its flowering stage, producing large, vibrant blooms that can be deadheaded to encourage more flowers. As fall approaches and temperatures drop, the plant's growth slows and it enters a period of dormancy. Before the frost, the tubers are typically dug up and stored in a cool, dry place over the winter. The following spring, the cycle begins anew when the stored tubers are replanted.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Dahlia 'Bednall Beauty' is through division of the tubers. This typically takes place in the spring after the danger of frost has passed and the tubers have begun to sprout. To propagate by division, carefully unearth the clump of tubers and gently separate them, making sure that each division has at least one eye, or bud, from which new growth can emerge. Cuts should be made with a clean, sharp knife and ideally treated with a fungicide to prevent disease. The individual tuber divisions can then be planted at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) in well-draining soil and spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth.
