Dahlia Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' (Col)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' displays a charming and distinctive look reflective of its elegant name. This variety boasts a beautiful floral display with soft, creamy yellow petals that have just a hint of a blushing peach at their base. The petals are elongated and evenly laid out in a delicate, almost translucent layer that encircles the center disk in a harmonious, open-faced arrangement. The central disk from which the petals radiate is a subtle, contrasting golden hue, inviting pollinators with its promise of nectar. The blooms of Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' are not dense or crowded, which gives each individual flower a gentle, airy appearance as though it is made of light. The foliage of Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' is typically deep green, providing a lush background that accentuates the light color of the blooms. The leaves are shaped with points and have a slightly serrated edge, adding texture to the plant's visual profile. Together, the blooms and foliage create a picturesque addition to any garden scape, conjuring images of a moonlit evening with their serene beauty. Elegant and refined, Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' presents a display that is both eye-catching and soothing.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia, Clair de Lune Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' (Col) has no known scientific synonyms; its recognized cultivar name is Dahlia 'Clair de Lune'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are generally not considered toxic to humans. Most people who handle or ingest dahlias do not experience adverse effects. However, as with any plant, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities that could lead to mild skin reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities. It is always advisable to exercise caution and keep plants away from young children who might ingest them out of curiosity.
To pets
Dahlias are not considered toxic to pets, including both cats and dogs. They are typically safe for pets to be around, and ingestion usually doesn't result in more than mild gastrointestinal upset, if any symptoms occur at all. As with humans, individual pets may have sensitivities, so it's always best to prevent them from eating large amounts of any non-food plant material to avoid potential stomach discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' produces beautiful creamy-yellow, delicate flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Long Flowering Season: This variety of dahlia has a lengthy blooming period, which can extend from mid-summer through to the first frosts, offering long-lasting color.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, providing flexibility in garden design and indoor decoration.
- Easy Propagation: Dahlias can be easily propagated from cuttings or tubers, making it easy for gardeners to increase their stock.
- Range of Uses: Their large, showy flowers are ideal for flower shows, arrangements, and as focal points in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible tubers: Dahlia tubers of 'Clair de Lune' can be used as a root vegetable and cooked in a similar way to potatoes, offering a unique alternative in culinary dishes.
- Fabric dye: The petals of the Dahlia can be boiled to extract a gentle dye for coloring fabrics or crafting natural inks.
- Garden art: The structural form and bright colors of Dahlia flowers make them suitable for use in garden art or as part of flower arrangements that double as living sculptures.
- Photography subject: With their unique form, Dahlias like 'Clair de Lune' are an excellent subject for botanical photography, providing material for art and stock photography.
- Pollinator support: This plant can be integrated into a garden designed to attract and support pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Teaching tool: Dahlias can be used in educational settings to teach botany, horticulture, and the importance of plant diversity.
- Companion planting: Dahlias can be planted among vegetable crops as they can help to distract pests away from more vulnerable plants.
- Seasonal celebrations: Dahlias like 'Clair de Lune' are often used in festivals and cultural events held in late summer and early autumn due to their seasonal bloom time.
- Floristry: Beyond typical arrangements, Dahlia petals can be used in creative floristry designs such as petal confetti or natural decorative elements on cakes and desserts.
- Wedding décor: With their elegant form and bright colors, Dahlias are often used in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations, providing a touch of natural beauty to the celebration.
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: The delicate form and subtle coloring of the Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' lends itself to symbolizing a refined grace.
- Diversity: Dahlias come in many varieties, and the 'Clair de Lune' represents the uniqueness and varied beauty found in diversity.
- Change and Transition: As a flower that blooms from midsummer to the first frost, the 'Clair de Lune' dahlia signifies change and the ability to thrive in different life phases.
- Creative Expression: The unique creamy yellow coloring of this dahlia inspires creativity and can be seen as a muse for artistic expression.
- Commitment and Bond: Because dahlias are perennials that return every year, they may signify a lasting bond or a commitment that stands the test of time.
- Dignity: The poised appearance of the 'Clair de Lune' dahlia carries with it a sense of dignity and self-respect.
WaterDahlia 'Clair de Lune' should be watered deeply to saturate the soil around the roots, approximately two to three times a week during the active growing season, depending on weather conditions. If the soil feels dry an inch below the surface, it is time to water. Provide about 0.5 to 1 gallon per plant for each watering session, ensuring that water penetrates deep into the soil but does not pool around the base of the plant to avoid rot. During periods of high heat and dry weather, you may need to increase watering frequency. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightDahlia 'Clair de Lune' performs best in a location that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. This ensures vibrant blooms and healthy growth. These dahlias can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but full sun is ideal. Avoid placing them in full shade, as this will reduce flowering and can lead to weak growth.
TemperatureDahlia 'Clair de Lune' thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. These dahlias can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost. Protect the plants from extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit by providing shade or mulch to keep the roots cool.
PruningPrune Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the main stem early in the season as the plant reaches about 16 inches in height. Remove spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. After the first frost, cut back the dead foliage if you plan to store tubers for the winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' should be well-draining and fertile with an acidic to neutral pH range of approximately 6.5 to 7.0. A combination of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand can help create the ideal texture and nutrient balance.
RepottingDahlias like 'Clair de Lune' do not require frequent repotting and are often planted annually; however, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every spring to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingDahlias such as 'Clair de Lune' prefer average humidity levels and do not require special humidity considerations beyond what is typically found in an outdoor garden environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil after last frost.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Dahlia 'Clair de Lune' begins with seed germination in the spring, when the soil temperature is warm enough to support growth. The seedlings emerge and develop into young plants, with characteristic lush foliage and the formation of tuberous roots. During the growing season, 'Clair de Lune' produces its distinctive yellow blooms, which can be deadheaded to promote further flowering. After flowering, the plant can be left to produce seeds or the spent flowers removed to conserve the plant's energy. As temperatures cool and daylight shortens in autumn, the dahlia's growth slows and it enters a period of dormancy. Tubers can be dug up after the first frost, stored during winter in a cool, dry place, and then replanted the following spring to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to spring
The Dahlia 'Clair de Lune', a type of Collarette Dahlia, is commonly propagated through division, which is most successfully done in the spring just before or as new growth is beginning to emerge. This involves digging up the tuberous root system of the plant after the foliage has died back post-frost in the fall and stored in a frost-free location over winter. In the spring, the tubers can be cut into sections, making sure each section has at least one eye, or bud, from which new growth can sprout. The cut surfaces are typically allowed to dry and callous over for a few days to prevent rot. These sections are then planted about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep in well-draining soil with the eyes facing upwards.
