Dahlia Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson' (WL)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson' is a breathtakingly beautiful plant that boasts showy and vibrant flowers. The signature blooms of this dahlia are large and full, doubling over themselves with an abundance of layered petals. The petals display a striking gradient of color, often blending shades from the heart of the flower outwards, featuring rich pinks, purples, or even sunset hues like warm oranges and yellows. The bloom's center typically contrasts in color, drawing the eye to its intricate form. Surrounding the flowers, the plant's foliage is lush and green, with leaves that provide a verdant backdrop to the riotous colors of its blossoms. The foliage may have a matte finish or a slight sheen, depending on the light, further enhancing the visual appeal of the plant. The stems of the Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson' are sturdy, holding the blooms upright and enabling them to sway gently in the breeze, adding dynamic movement to the garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia.
Common names
Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson' (WL).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. If ingested, they typically do not cause poisoning or severe adverse health effects. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as individual sensitivity can vary and they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Dahlias, like the Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson', are also considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of dahlia plants is unlikely to result in serious poisoning for pets; however, consumption of any plant material may lead to gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's always safest to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for their consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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- Vivid Color Display: Dahlias, including the 'Catherine Bateson' variety, are known for their vibrant blooms that add a splash of color to any garden.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias typically bloom from midsummer until the first frost, providing extended beauty in the landscape.
- Variety in Form: The dahlia comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, adding texture and interest to garden designs.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlias are generally easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Great for Cut Flowers: Dahlia flowers have sturdy stems and a long vase life, making them excellent choices for bouquets and arrangements.
- Landscape Versatility: These plants can be used in borders, beds, and containers, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Seasonal Interest: Dahlias provide late-season interest at a time when many other plants are beginning to fade.
- Breeding Potential: Enthusiasts enjoy breeding dahlias for new varieties, which can be a rewarding hobby.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: Dahlia flowers are often used by artists and photographers as subjects for their work due to their vibrant colors and intricate petal patterns.
- Edible tubers: Some varieties of Dahlia have tubers that are edible and can be used as a carbohydrate source similar to potatoes, although it's not common for 'Catherine Bateson'.
- Hummingbird attractant: Dahlias can attract hummingbirds to the garden, which can aid in pollination and provide natural beauty.
- Tattoo design: Due to their striking appearance, Dahlias can serve as inspiration for tattoo designs.
- Color dye: Historically, some species of dahlia were used for their pigments to create natural dyes.
- Theme gardens: Dahlias can be used to create themed garden displays, such as Victorian or formal-style gardens.
- Learn botany: Dahlias can serve as an example plant in educational settings for botany students learning about plant morphology and hybridization.
- Culinary decoration: While not typically consumed, Dahlia petals can be used as a colorful garnish for culinary dishes.
- Sandbag alternative: In emergency situations, the tubers of dahlias can be used to create biodegradable, temporary sandbag alternatives for flood control.
- Science experiments: The wide variety of Dahlias makes them suitable for genetic or evolutionary studies in botany, especially in understanding plant diversity and hybridization.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias often symbolize elegance and dignity because of their sophisticated and intricate blooms.
- Change and Diversity: The wide variety of colors and forms of dahlias represent embracing change and diversity in life.
- Commitment and Bond: Giving dahlias can be a way to express a lasting commitment or an everlasting bond, as they are flowers that have a long blooming season and enduring beauty.
- Creative Expression: Dahlias are known for their elaborate petals and vibrant displays, making them a symbol of creativity and artistic expression.
WaterDahlias should be watered consistently, especially during their growing season, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. For the Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson,' provide a deep watering two to three times a week, applying about 1 to 2 gallons of water each time, depending on the weather conditions. Ensure the water reaches the roots where it's needed most. Decrease watering as the weather cools and the plant goes dormant. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases and water early in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day.
LightDahlias thrive in a position where they can receive full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. The best spot for Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson' is an area with ample morning sunlight and some protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Avoid placing them in full shade, as this can lead to poor flowering and an increased risk of disease.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Dahlias is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate a wider range from 50 to 90 degrees. Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson' should be protected from frost, as temperatures below freezing can damage or kill the plant. During hot summer days, ensure the plant has some protection or shade during the peak heat to prevent stress.
PruningPruning Dahlias is important for encouraging bushier growth, larger flowers, and increased air circulation. For the Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson,' pinch out the growing tips when the plant is about a foot tall. As the plant grows, remove any weak or excess stems. The best time for pruning is early in the growing season, but regularly deadheading spent flowers can continue throughout the blooming period to encourage more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias require well-draining, fertile soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.0. A good mix for Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson' would consist of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and compost with some perlite or sand to ensure good drainage.
RepottingDahlias, including the Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson', should be repotted annually. They need fresh, nutrient-rich soil each year after the last frost when starting new growth.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer moderate humidity levels. While they do not have specific humidity requirements, it is important to avoid overly humid conditions to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, water when top inch dry.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson' begins with seed germination or tuber planting in spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach about 60°F (15°C). Seedlings or sprouted tubers establish a root system and vegetative growth, producing stems and leaves. As the plant matures, it develops buds that blossom into the characteristic vibrant and large flowers of dahlias during the summer and into fall. After flowering, dahlias set seeds, but cultivation is more commonly through dividing and replanting tubers. With the onset of cooler temperatures and the first frost, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, while the tubers enter dormancy underground. To complete the cycle, the tubers are either left in the ground, depending on the hardiness zone, or dug up, stored over winter, and replanted the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Dahlia 'Catherine Bateson' (Waterlily Dahlia) is through division. This process is typically carried out in the spring after the risk of frost has passed and the tubers have started to sprout. Gardeners dig up the clumps of dahlia tubers and gently separate them, making sure that each division has at least one eye, which is a growth point. It’s essential to use a sharp, clean knife to cut the tubers apart to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Once divided, the tubers can be planted directly into the garden at a depth of approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), with the eyes facing upwards. They should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate room for growth. This technique allows the dahlias to maintain their varietal characteristics, ensuring that the new plants will be true to the 'Catherine Bateson' cultivar.
