Dahlia Dahlia 'Bridge View Aloha' (S-c)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Bridge View Aloha' is a striking and vibrant plant known for its lush and colorful flowers. The blooms are characterized by their unique semi-cactus form, featuring long, slender, pointed petals that curve backward, creating a somewhat spiky appearance. These petals are typically arranged in a spiraling pattern that unfolds from the center of the flower, adding to the plant's dramatic flair. Each flower showcases a harmonious blend of colors, with shades that can range from deep pinks to softer blushes, often combined with hints of yellow near the center, which can give the blossoms a warm, glowing effect. The vibrant flowers of Dahlia 'Bridge View Aloha' create a stunning contrast against the rich, green foliage that provides a lush backdrop for the showy blooms. The leaves are typically deep green with a slightly serrated edge, contributing to the ornamental quality of the plant. Each leaf is broad and pointed, arranged in an alternating pattern along the plant's sturdy stems. The foliage is dense enough to create an attractive bushy appearance, with the flowers typically rising above the leaves to catch the eye. The overall look of Dahlia 'Bridge View Aloha' is one of bold beauty and exotic charm, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and texture to their garden beds or borders. Its flowers are also long-lasting when cut, making them excellent for floral arrangements and bouquets.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Bridge View Aloha' (S-c).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the variety 'Bridge View Aloha', are not considered toxic to humans. They are not known to contain any substances that would be poisonous if ingested. However, it is generally not advisable to eat ornamental plants, and any part of the plant could potentially cause a mild stomach upset if eaten in large quantities due to the fibrous plant material being difficult to digest. It is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants like the Dahlia.
To pets
Dahlias are not considered toxic to pets either. The 'Bridge View Aloha' dahlia should not cause serious harm if pets consume small amounts. However, as with humans, eating non-food plants can potentially result in digestive discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea in pets due to the plant material. If a pet ingests a large quantity of any plant, including dahlias, it is wise to watch them closely and consult with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms occur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8-10
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Adds vibrant colors and unique textures to garden spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Cut Flower Use: Long-lasting blooms ideal for fresh bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides late summer to fall interest when many other plants start to decline.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions and easy for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Various Uses: Suitable for beds, borders, and containers, offering versatility in landscaping.
- Propagates Easily: Tubers can be divided to create new plants, making it cost-effective for gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlias like 'Bridge View Aloha' can be used as natural dyes for fabrics and textiles, producing a range of colors depending on the part of the plant used.
- These flowers can be pressed and included in personal scrapbooks or as a decorative element in homemade paper crafts.
- Dahlia petals can be used for creating botanical prints or artworks, where their color and shape can be transferred to paper or canvas.
- 'Bridge View Aloha' Dahlias are suitable for use in educational settings, such as biology classes, for studying plant structure and reproduction.
- The tubers of Dahlias can be used for propagation demonstrations in gardening workshops or horticulture classes.
- These vibrant flowers can be used in photography projects as subjects to learn about color composition and lighting.
- Dahlia petals can be incorporated into natural confetti, which is biodegradable and environment-friendly for celebrations.
- Their stems can be used in floral art installations to create large-scale displays due to their sturdy nature and vivid colors.
- Dahlia plants can be grown as a competition crop in horticultural shows, aiming for the largest or most perfect blooms.
- Insects attracted to 'Bridge View Aloha' Dahlias can be observed for studies on pollinators and their preferences in different environments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlias are not specifically referenced in traditional Feng Shui practice, but in general, vibrant flowering plants like dahlias can be used to add color, life energy (chi), and positivity to a space, particularly in areas like the garden or living room where you wish to create a cheerful and welcoming environment. Care should be taken to keep them healthy and vibrant, as wilted plants can contribute to stagnant energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias, with their intricate blooms and stunning variety, often symbolize elegance and dignity due to their sophisticated and graceful appearance.
- Change and Diversity: The dahlia is known for its wide range of colors and forms, representing a celebration of change and embracing diversity.
- Creativity: The myriad shapes and colors of dahlias are often associated with creativity and inspiration, suggesting a source of artistic expression and innovation.
- Commitment and Bond That Lasts Forever: Because dahlias are perennials that return year after year, they can represent a lasting bond or commitment, often used in weddings and anniversaries.
- Inner Strength: The dahlia was named after Andreas Dahl, a botanist known for his strength and determination, symbolizing an inner resilience that endures in the face of challenges.
- Warning or Betrayal: Some cultures may associate dahlias with a sense of warning or betrayal, perhaps due to their explosive floral patterns and the way they stand out in a garden.
WaterThe dahlia, commonly known as the 'Bridge View Aloha', prefers even moisture and should be watered deeply. This means the soil should be saturated but not waterlogged, which often translates to about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. For best results, water the plant in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, which helps prevent disease. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, possibly every other day. If the plant is in a container, check the soil moisture daily and water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
LightDahlias, such as 'Bridge View Aloha', thrive in full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is a location where it can enjoy bright and unfiltered light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureDahlias like 'Bridge View Aloha' prefer temperatures in the range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can handle temperatures from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They should not be subjected to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods or frost, as they are susceptible to cold damage. The ideal condition for the plant is a consistently warm environment with temperatures on the higher end of their tolerance during the day and cooler at night.
PruningPruning the 'Bridge View Aloha' dahlia is important to encourage a bushier growth and more abundant flowers. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back the entire plant in late fall after the first frost when the plant begins to die back, leaving about 4 to 6 inches of stem above the ground. The best time for major pruning is when growth resumes in spring or just before the growing season begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix for 'Bridge View Aloha' dahlia can be made by combining equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. Adding compost or well-aged manure will enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
RepottingDahlias, including 'Bridge View Aloha', should generally be repotted once a year. It is best to repot them just before the new growth begins in spring after the last frost date. If the tubers outgrow their pots or start to form a dense clump, division of the tubers may be necessary at the time of repotting.
Humidity & MistingThe 'Bridge View Aloha' dahlia prefers moderate humidity levels. While it can tolerate a range of humidity conditions, it thrives best when the air is not too dry. Aim for about 40-60% relative humidity for optimal growth. Avoid overly humid conditions, which can encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For indoor growth, provide bright light and protection from drafts.
Outdoor
Place in full sun, shelter from wind, enrich soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Bridge View Aloha', commonly known as Dahlia, begins its life cycle when a tuber is planted in the soil after the last frost in spring. The plant then sprouts and develops a strong stem, along with compound leaves, as it grows towards the sun. As the Dahlia matures through early summer, it undergoes vegetative growth, producing lush foliage before entering the budding stage. The buds gradually open to reveal the characteristic bright and showy flowers, which can bloom from midsummer through fall, depending on the climate and care provided. After the blooming period, the plant sets seeds, although Dahlias are more commonly propagated through division of their tubers rather than by seed. As temperatures drop in late fall, the aerial parts of the Dahlia die back, and the tubers enter a dormant period over winter, ready to be stored or left in the ground with appropriate frost protection to begin the cycle again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Dahlia 'Bridge View Aloha', commonly known simply as Dahlia, is often propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time to divide Dahlias is in the spring when the plants have just begun to sprout and the danger of frost has passed. To propagate by division, carefully unearth the tuber clump with a spade, ensuring minimal damage. Wash off the soil to reveal the individual tubers, and make sure each section you cut has at least one eye, which is a small bud where new growth will sprout. Use a sharp, clean knife to separate the tubers, making sure each division has sufficient roots attached. After cutting, allow the divisions to dry for a day or two to callus over the wounds, which helps prevent rot, and then plant them about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to give each new plant room to grow.
