Dahlia Dahlia 'Charlie Dimmock' (WL)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Charlie Dimmock' is characterized by its stunning bloom. The flowers are waterlily-like in form, showcasing broad, evenly spaced petals that are lush and slightly curved upwards. The petals exhibit a radiant gradient of color, typically blending from a warm yellow center to a peach or soft pink towards the edges, creating a glowing effect. These blooms are generous in size and create an eye-catching display with their vivid hues and layered structure. The plant itself produces lush green foliage that serves as a complementary background to the vibrant flowers. Its leaves are typically ovate in shape with defined points and pronounced veining, contributing to the plant's overall robust and lush appearance. As a member of the dahlia family, this variety is known for its ornamental beauty, making it a favorite in gardens and floral arrangements for its striking, colorful presence and classic, elegant form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Georgina
Common names
Dahlia 'Charlie Dimmock' (WL)
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Charlie Dimmock', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant risk of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. While they are not poisonous, eating dahlias is not recommended, and any plant material might cause discomfort if ingested in large amounts or could lead to an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Charlie Dimmock', are also generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from dahlias in pets. However, similarly to humans, the ingestion of non-food plant material could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in some pets. If a pet consumes a large amount of dahlia, monitoring for any signs of gastrointestinal discomfort is advisable.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Dahlia 'Charlie Dimmock' adds vibrant colors to gardens with its impressive flower size and rich hues, which can enhance the visual attractiveness of any landscape.
- Pollinator Attraction: The large blooms of this plant are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Dahlias can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including borders, cutting gardens, and containers, making them suitable for diverse gardening styles.
- Cutting Flower: The flowers of the Dahlia 'Charlie Dimmock' are long-lasting when cut, making them perfect for floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Seasonal Interest: Dahlias bloom from midsummer to first frost, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden during a time when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Gardening Challenge: Growing dahlias like 'Charlie Dimmock' can be a rewarding activity for gardeners who enjoy nurturing and cultivating their plants over the growing season.
- Plant Breeding: Dahlias are popular for hybridization, offering hobbyist and professional gardeners alike the opportunity to create new and unique varieties, such as the 'Charlie Dimmock' itself.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Source: Dahlias can be used as a natural dye source for textiles, yielding a range of colors depending on the petal color.
- Edible Tubers: Dahlia tubers can be consumed similarly to potatoes, boiled or roasted, after proper identification to ensure edibility.
- Garden Mulch: Spent dahlia blooms and foliage can be composted and used as mulch to enrich garden soil.
- Florist Meat Substitute: In some cultures, dahlia tubers are used as a meat substitute in dishes due to their chewy texture when cooked.
- Art and Craft Material: Dried dahlia petals and stems can be incorporated into papermaking, potpourri, or as natural confetti.
- Photography Subject: Dahlias, with their variety of shapes and colors, are a popular subject for botanical photographers and artists.
- Plant Science Education: Dahlias are used in plant biology education to help illustrate principles like hybridization and genetics because of their varied and vivid traits.
- Living Fences: When planted in dense patterns, dahlias can be cultivated as decorative living fences for privacy and visual appeal.
- Climate Change Research: Dahlia cultivation patterns may be studied to understand the impacts of climate change on plant growth and flowering seasons.
- Insect Habitat: Certain dahlia varieties can provide a habitat or nectar source for beneficial insects including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
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: The Dahlia is renowned for its intricate petals and stunning displays, making it a symbol of elegance and an ability to stand out with dignity in any setting.
- Change and Diversity: With the Dahlia coming in various colors and forms, it represents diversity and the embracing of change.
- Commitment and Bond: Because Dahlias are perennials that return year after year, they are often associated with commitment and an everlasting bond.
- Creativity: The mesmerizing patterns of Dahlia blooms are suggestive of a creative spirit, making them a symbol for those who seek inspiration and originality.
- Inner Strength: Dahlias are sturdy flowers with strong stems, symbolizing inner strength and the ability to weather challenging situations.
WaterDahlias, including the 'Charlie Dimmock' variety, prefer a consistent watering schedule to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. Typically, watering them with about 1 to 2 inches of water per week is adequate. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for the best results, focusing the water at the base of the plant to minimize leaf wetness and prevent fungal diseases. In hotter, drier periods, you may need to water more frequently, whereas, in cooler weather or if there's been rainfall, you can reduce watering accordingly. Always adjust based on the soil's moisture level; it should be damp to the touch but not soggy.
LightThe 'Charlie Dimmock' Dahlia thrives best in full sunlight, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. An ideal spot for planting Dahlias is an area that is exposed to the morning sun with some light afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent scorching. However, in cooler climates, full sun all day will support the most vigorous growth and bloom production.
TemperatureDahlias, such as the 'Charlie Dimmock', grow best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive a minimum temperature of 50°F and should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing as they are not frost-tolerant. The maximum temperature for Dahlias to continue thriving is around 75°F to 80°F, and they may need some protection from intense afternoon sun during the peak of summer in hotter regions.
PruningPrune Dahlias, such as the 'Charlie Dimmock', to promote bushy growth and more abundant flowers. Pinch out the growing tip of the main stem when the plant is about 12 inches tall to encourage branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooms. After the first hard frost in fall, cut back the foliage to just above the soil line as part of the overwintering process if you live in an area where Dahlias are not hardy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Dahlia 'Charlie Dimmock' is well-draining, fertile, and loamy with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5. Adding compost or well-rotted manure enhances fertility, while sand or perlite improves drainage.
RepottingDahlias, including Dahlia 'Charlie Dimmock', typically don't need to be repotted as they are grown from tubers planted each spring after the last frost and lifted in fall in colder zones.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Charlie Dimmock' prefer moderate humidity levels; however, they are quite adaptable and can tolerate the ambient humidity found in most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure the pot has good drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun after the risk of frost has passed.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Charlie Dimmock' begins its life cycle as a tuber, which is planted in the spring after the last frost when the soil is warm. The tubers germinate, and shoots emerge from the soil, developing into a bushy, herbaceous plant with vibrant foliage. Throughout the growing season, the plant produces large, colorful, and showy flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, although many gardeners deadhead dahlias to encourage more blooms and prevent seed formation. As temperatures cool and autumn arrives, the top foliage of the dahlia dies back with the first frosts; the tubers remain dormant underground through the winter. In preparation for the next growing season, gardeners typically lift and store the tubers in a cool, frost-free place over winter, to be replanted the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia 'Charlie Dimmock', a variety known for its waterlily-like blooms, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this plant. Division is ideally carried out in the spring when new shoots are just emerging from the tubers, ensuring that each section has at least one eye, or growth point, from which the plant will grow. To propagate by division, carefully lift the tubers from the ground using a garden fork, being mindful not to damage them. Once lifted, gently brush off any excess soil and cut the tubers into sections with a sharp, clean knife, making sure each piece has at least one eye. These sections can then be planted about 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) deep in well-drained soil with the eye pointing upwards. Water the newly planted tubers well and they should grow into new Dahlia plants, blooming by mid to late summer.
