Dahlia Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight' (Sin/lil)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight' showcases a stunning display of vibrant, colorful blooms. The flowers are a rich tapestry of colors, often featuring petals that can appear in various shades, sometimes with individual petals displaying a gradient or multitude of hues. These blossoms are known for their layered, symmetrical petal arrangement that can resemble a pinwheel design from above. The petals are commonly broad and may have rounded or slightly pointed tips, forming a full, almost fluffy appearance to the flower head. The center of the bloom is typically more compact and may have a different color, creating an eye-catching contrast with the outer petals. These flowers make a striking statement in any garden with their bold, bright colors and are equally impressive when cut and placed in vases for indoor enjoyment. The plant itself has stout stems that hold the flowers aloft, ensuring they are prominently displayed. The foliage is typically lush green, with leaves that have a slightly serrated edge, providing a textural backdrop that accentuates the beauty of the flowers. Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight' is part of a group of plants that are celebrated for their late summer to autumn blossoming, offering a continuation of color after many other plants have finished their seasonal display. This Dahlia variant is a tuberous type, meaning it grows from underground tubers which can be lifted and stored during colder months in regions where they are not hardy. It is a beloved choice for gardeners who wish to introduce a splash of color and elegance to their floral arrangements and garden beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are generally not toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence suggesting that the Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight' or any other dahlia variety poses a significant risk of poisoning when touched or ingested. Consuming any part of dahlias is unlikely to result in more than a mild stomach upset, if any symptoms occur at all.
To pets
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. There is limited information suggesting that Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight' or other dahlia varieties cause serious illness in pets when ingested. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption of dahlias may cause some pets to have a mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
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- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are vital for the pollination of many plants and crops.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: With its stunning blooms and vibrant colors, this dahlia variety can significantly improve the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Variety of Colors: They come in a wide range of colors, which provides gardeners with numerous options for creating diverse and colorful garden designs.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias generally have a long flowering season, from midsummer until the first frosts, providing extended periods of color in the garden.
- Great for Cut Flowers: Dahlias are renowned for their impressive and long-lasting cut flowers, making them perfect for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Edible Blooms: Some parts of dahlias, like the petals, are edible and can be used to garnish salads and desserts, adding a touch of elegance to dishes.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlias are relatively easy to plant and maintain, which makes them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Promotes Biodiversity: The presence of dahlias in a garden can contribute to the ecological diversity by providing habitats and resources for a variety of species.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Dahlia tubers can be lifted and stored during the winter, which allows gardeners in colder climates to preserve the plants for the next season.
- Customizable Growth: By pinching and pruning, gardeners can control the shape and size of the dahlia plants, tailoring them to specific garden spaces or aesthetics.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia petals are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish in salads, providing a vibrant touch to culinary presentations.
- Dahlias can serve as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles, with different parts of the plant yielding various hues.
- Dahlias can be used in the art of pressed flowers, where their diverse forms and colors create intricate and beautiful designs.
- They feature as a source of inspiration for artists and photographers, who often capture the intricate beauty of dahlias in their work.
- In some cultures, dahlias are used in ceremonies and celebrations, where their bright, bold blooms symbolize elegance and dignity.
- Their tubers can be a food source for pollinators when allowed to overwinter and sprout foliage in the spring.
- Dahlia flowers can be incorporated into handmade paper, adding texture and floral elements to the finished product.
- A dahlia garden can serve as an outdoor classroom for teaching about botany, horticulture, and the importance of biodiversity.
- The blooms are sometimes used in floating water displays or decorative bowls, creating serene and aesthetically pleasing centerpieces.
- As a natural source of nectar, dahlias can support beneficial insect populations, including butterflies and bees, contributing to the health of local ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Dignity: Dahlias carry the meaning of dignity due to their stunning and impressive blooms that stand out in the garden.
- Elegance and Grace: The 'Brookfield Delight' variety, with its subtle color and sophisticated form, exudes an air of elegance and grace.
- Change: Dahlias, blooming from midsummer until the first frost, symbolize change and variety, reflecting life's constant evolution.
- Commitment and Bond: Given as a gift, dahlias represent a lasting bond and a commitment to another person.
- Creativity: The intricate petals and variety of colors seen in dahlias are often associated with a burst of creativity and inspiration.
WaterDahlias require consistent moisture and should be watered two to three times a week, more frequently in very hot or dry conditions. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water directly at the soil level, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease. Each plant should receive about 1-2 gallons of water per week, depending on weather conditions and soil type. Deep, infrequent watering is preferred over light, daily watering to encourage strong root development. During the peak blooming season, you may need to increase watering to support the growth of the 'Brookfield Delight' Dahlias.
LightDahlias, including the 'Brookfield Delight', thrive in a location that receives full sun. They need at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day to develop fully and produce the best blooms. Therefore, planting them in a south-facing or west-facing garden where they can get ample sunshine throughout the day is ideal.
TemperatureDahlias prefer temperate conditions and perform best in temperatures ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The 'Brookfield Delight' can typically survive minimum temperatures of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit but will stop growing and may be damaged by frost. Protecting them from temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial to prevent heat stress.
PruningPruning Dahlias, such as the 'Brookfield Delight', is important for encouraging bushiness and more blooms. Pinch out the tips of the main shoot down to the third set of leaves when the plant is about 16 inches tall to encourage lateral growth. Deadhead regularly to promote continued flowering. The best time for major pruning is early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. The best soil mix for Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight' includes equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Additionally, incorporating compost or well-rotted manure can provide essential nutrients for optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingDahlias, such as Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight', typically do not need to be repotted as they are often grown annually from tubers. Instead, Dahlia tubers should be dug up after the first frost, stored during winter, and replanted in the spring. If growing in containers, they should be refreshed with new soil annually when the tubers are replanted.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight' prefer moderate humidity levels. They perform well outdoors where the natural humidity usually falls within their comfort range. It is not necessary to artificially adjust humidity for Dahlias when grown in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, sheltered spot, fertile well-draining soil.
Life cycleThe Dahlias, including 'Brookfield Delight', begin their cycle as tubers planted in the spring after the last frost, when the soil is warm. These tubers sprout and develop into bushy plants with strong, leafy stems. As the plant matures, it starts to produce buds that bloom into large, showy flowers in various colors during summer and into early fall. Following the blooming period, flower production decreases as the plant prepares for dormancy. After the first frost, the foliage of dahlias dies back, and the tubers can be dug up, cleaned, and stored in a cool, frost-free place over winter. The cycle repeats when the tubers are replanted in the following spring, continuing their perennial growth pattern.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
One of the most popular methods of propagating Dahlia 'Brookfield Delight', commonly known as dahlia, is through division. This method is best carried out in the spring when the tuberous roots have begun to sprout. First, carefully dig up the dahlia tubers from the ground after the last frost has passed. Once unearthed, gently brush off any excess soil and inspect the tubers for signs of sprouting. Using a sharp, clean knife, divide the tubers ensuring that each division has at least one eye, which is a point from where new growth will sprout. Each cut section should be allowed to dry for a day or two to form a callus over the cut surface; this helps to prevent rot. Finally, the divisions can be planted about 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep in well-drained soil, ensuring the eyes are facing upwards.
