Dahlia Dahlia 'Chiapas' (PBR) (D)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Chiapas', also simply known as a Dahlia, is a captivatingly vibrant plant renowned for its exquisite blooms. Its flowers showcase a stunning blend of colors, commonly a rich blend of pink, purple, or red hues that radiate a sense of warmth and vibrancy. The petals have a distinctive form, ruffling gently towards the edges, which gives the blossom a lush, full appearance. This Dahlia variety often features a gradient of color, with the tips of the petals sometimes lighter in shade, creating a delicate contrast with the deeper tones near the base of each petal. The center of the Dahlia 'Chiapas' flower is usually a button-like structure, from which the numerous petals emanate in intricate patterns. The foliage of the plant is a luscious green, with leaves that are somewhat elongated with pointed tips and a serrated edge, providing a lovely backdrop that further accentuates the striking beauty of the flowers. The overall look of the Dahlia 'Chiapas' is one of bright exuberance, making it a favorite for gardens and floral displays for its ability to draw and hold the gaze with its spectacular blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia 'Chiapas', Chiapas Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Chiapas' (PBR) (D).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects reported from ingesting dahlia flowers or tubers. However, some individuals may have sensitivities that could result in mild gastrointestinal discomfort if parts of the plant are ingested. It is always advisable not to eat ornamental plants and to seek medical advice if any adverse reactions occur.
To pets
Dahlias are also generally considered non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. There are no widespread reports of significant toxicity or poisoning from pets ingesting dahlias. However, as with humans, individual pets may have sensitivities that could cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It is always best to prevent pets from chewing on ornamental plants, and consult with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms appear after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet 36 inches (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet 24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Dahlia 'Chiapas' produces vibrant and colorful flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Extended Flowering Season: This variety typically has a long flowering period, providing garden interest from mid-summer until the first frosts.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Cut: The stems and blooms are ideal for cutting and creating beautiful indoor floral arrangements.
- Versatility: Dahlia 'Chiapas' can be planted in borders, pots, or as part of a cut flower garden, offering great versatility in garden design.
- Color Variety: The plant offers a range of colors that can be used to create vibrant and dynamic garden color palettes.
- Rewarding for Gardeners: Propagation through division is relatively easy, making it rewarding for gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia 'Chiapas' can be used in vegetable dyes for fabrics, offering a range of subtle hues to textiles depending on the mordant used.
- The hollow stems of the Dahlia can serve as natural straws or pipes in garden-based science experiments or children's play.
- Crushed petals of the Dahlia might be incorporated into homemade paper for a textured and colorful impact.
- Dried Dahlia blooms can be used to create eco-friendly confetti for celebrations, adding a biodegradable element to events.
- The striking blooms are excellent for photographic subjects in macro photography, highlighting the intricate patterns and colors of nature.
- Dahlia plants can be used as a natural shelter for beneficial insects, offering a habitat for predators of pests.
- Dahlia tubers, while not commonly consumed, can be experimented with in culinary dishes after ensuring they are safe to eat and not treated with chemicals.
- The sturdy stems and flowers of the Dahlia can be used in art installations and sculptures, often seen in avant-garde floral design.
- When fully dried, the Dahlia's seed heads can add an interesting textural element to homemade wreaths or dried flower arrangements.
- Petals of the Dahlia can be pressed and used in crafts such as candle making, embedding the color and form of the flowers into the wax.
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 are often associated with elegance and dignity, reflecting the flower's intricate petals and striking appearance.
- Commitment and Bond: Given as gifts, dahlias can symbolize a lasting commitment and an eternal bond between two people.
- Change and Diversity: The wide variety of colors and forms of dahlias represent diversity and the ability to adapt to change.
- Personal Growth: Dahlias bloom from midsummer through autumn, symbolizing continued growth and the pursuit of personal achievements.
- Warning of Betrayal: In the Victorian language of flowers, dahlias can sometimes represent a warning of betrayal or instability, perhaps due to their complex structure.
- Unique Beauty: Dahlia 'Chiapas' (PBR) (D), as a cultivar, highlights personal uniqueness and standing out from the crowd with its distinctive form.
WaterDahlias prefer even, consistent moisture and the 'Chiapas' variety is no exception. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons per plant each time, depending on the weather conditions. More water may be needed during particularly hot or dry spells to keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy. In the absence of rainfall, make sure to water the plants regularly to maintain the proper moisture level. Avoid overhead watering to help prevent diseases and instead focus on watering at the base of the plant.
LightDahlias thrive in full sunlight, and the 'Chiapas' dahlia is best situated in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot in the garden that is free from obstruction to ensure it gets ample light throughout the day. Avoiding shaded areas will lead to the best bloom production and plant health for your 'Chiapas' dahlia.
TemperatureDahlias, including the 'Chiapas' variety, perform best in warmer climates with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperature dips down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit but cannot withstand frost. Ideally, maintain a growing environment where the temperature does not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as excessively high temperatures may stress the plants.
PruningPruning your 'Chiapas' dahlia helps to shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate new flower production and cut back stems by about a third in midsummer (around July) to rejuvenate the plant. The best time to prune is when the plants are actively growing and have sufficient time to recover and set new buds before the end of the blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. For 'Chiapas' Dahlias, mix garden soil with compost and peat moss to enhance fertility and drainage. Aeration is key, so adding perlite or vermiculite can be beneficial.
RepottingDahlias, like the 'Chiapas' variety, generally require repotting every year. It's best to do this in the spring when they begin to sprout, as they are tuberous plants that grow actively during the warmer months.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer moderate humidity levels. While they can tolerate a range of humidity, it is ideal to maintain an environment that is neither too dry nor excessively humid to prevent pest issues and fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, regular watering, and stake tall varieties.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, rich soil, deadhead spent flowers for more blooms.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Chiapas' begins its life as a tuber, planted in the spring after the last frost has passed. It quickly sprouts and grows into a bushy plant, with the foliage providing the necessary photosynthesis to fuel growth. Over the summer, the plant develops its signature bright, bicolored flowers which attract a variety of pollinators. After blooming, the flowers eventually wilt and if seeds have developed, they can be collected for propagation. As a perennial, the plant begins to die back with the first frosts of autumn, at which point the tubers can be dug up and stored over winter. Come the next spring, the cycle can begin anew with the replanting of the stored tubers or with new ones if desired.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Dahlia 'Chiapas', also simply known as dahlia, is through division of tubers, which is typically carried out in the spring after the last frost when the tubers have begun to sprout and can be easily handled. To propagate dahlias by division, one must first carefully lift the clump of tubers from the ground after the foliage has been killed by frost in late autumn. After lifting, the tubers should be cleaned and stored in a cool, frost-free place over winter at around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 to 10 degrees Celsius). In spring, each tuber or group of tubers with a shoot can be cut away from the main clump with a sharp, clean knife, making sure that each division includes at least one eye, or growth point. These divisions can then be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, depending on the size of the tuber, in well-draining soil with the eye pointing upwards, and spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
