Dahlia Dahlia 'Cream Alva's' (D)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Cream Alva's' is a striking plant known for its lush, vibrant blooms. This variety of dahlia boasts large, full flowers characterized by a warm, cream hue that may exhibit subtle hints of other pale colors, blending softly throughout the petals. The blossoms themselves are often intricate, with numerous petals arranged in a tight, orderly fashion that creates a rounded or slightly globular shape. These petals have a tendency to curve gracefully towards the tips, adding a sense of depth and dimension to the flower's appearance. The foliage of Cream Alva's is typically deep green, contrasting beautifully against the light-colored flowers, and has a pinnate pattern that is both ornamental and functional in supporting the floral display. The leaves are attached to sturdy stalks, which hold the attractive blooms upright and make them a prominent feature in any garden setting. Overall, Dahlia 'Cream Alva's' exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a cherished choice for plant enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Cream Alva's'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, which include the 'Cream Alva's' variety, are not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from eating dahlia tubers or coming into contact with their foliage. In fact, dahlia tubers are edible when cooked and were historically consumed by some indigenous peoples. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergic reactions can occur, and it's advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to pets, including the 'Cream Alva's' variety. They are not known to cause serious illness or symptoms of poisoning if pets ingest parts of the plant. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, simply due to the ingestion of non-digestible matter. If a pet consumes a large amount of dahlia plant material and shows signs of distress, it is wise to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Dahlias like 'Cream Alva's' offer striking blooms that enhance the aesthetic value of gardens and landscapes.
- Variety of Uses: They can be used in flowerbeds, borders, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Pollinator Attraction: Dahlias help attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Long Blooming Season: These plants typically have a long flowering period from midsummer until the first frost, providing sustained beauty.
- Color and Form Diversity: With numerous cultivars, dahlias offer a wide range of colors and flower forms to fit any garden design.
- Easy Propagation: They can be easily propagated by dividing tubers, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Therapeutic Gardening: The process of growing and caring for dahlias can provide a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fabric Dye: The petals of the Dahlia can be used to create a range of natural dyes for fabric, yielding colors from pinks to oranges, depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: Dahlias, including the 'Cream Alva's', are popular subjects in macro photography due to their intricate petal structures and vibrant colors.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Dahlia can serve as biodegradable confetti for weddings or celebrations, reducing the environmental impact.
- Garden Pest Control: Planting Dahlias in the garden can help to deter certain pests, as they attract predatory insects that feed on common garden pests.
- Edible Flowers: The petals of the Dahlia are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish or ingredient in salads, desserts, and drinks.
- Personal Care: The petals can be infused in oils to create natural Dahlia-scented lotions and creams for skincare.
- Art Supplies: The vibrant petals can be pressed and used in art projects for creating natural collages and botanical art pieces.
- Floral Arrangement Classes: Dahlias, with their complex structure, are excellent teaching tools in floral design and arrangement classes.
- Symbolic Gifts: As each Dahlia color represents different meanings, the 'Cream Alva's' could be gifted to convey a message of purity and innocence.
- Plant Propagation Education: The Dahlia's tuberous roots make it a good candidate for educational demonstrations on vegetative propagation techniques.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlias are not traditionally associated with Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias carry an air of sophistication and poise, often making them the choice for decorative purposes in events signifying a dignified atmosphere.
- Commitment and Bond: Their elaborate petals and lasting bloom time symbolize a commitment to an idea or a person and the strength of long-term bonds.
- Creativity: The complex structure of dahlia flowers is emblematic of a deep-seated creativity, often inspiring artists and serving as a muse for creative endeavors.
- Inner Strength: Dahlias bloom through the end of summer and into the fall, showcasing their ability to thrive in a changing environment, which is seen as a mark of inner strength.
- Diversity: Coming in various sizes, shapes, and colors, dahlias represent diversity and the unique blend that each individual brings to a collective.
- Change and Transformation: As dahlias return every year with fresh and vibrant blossoms, they are often associated with change and personal growth.
- Positivity: The bright and bold appearance of dahlias is thought to convey a positive energy and outlook on life.
- Warning: In the Victorian language of flowers, dahlias were sometimes used to signify a sense of betrayal or an instability in a relationship, highlighting the multi-faceted symbolism of this plant.
WaterDahlias, including the 'Cream Alva's', require a consistent watering schedule to ensure a healthy growth, especially during the growing season. These plants prefer to be watered deeply, which means you should water them until the moisture penetrates several inches into the soil. Generally, watering once or twice a week with approximately one to two gallons of water should be suitable, but always adjust your watering to the plant's needs, based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. It's important to avoid overwatering, as Dahlias do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. During the peak summer months, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil before doing so.
LightDahlias like 'Cream Alva's' thrive in areas with full sun exposure, which means they perform best when they receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for this plant would be in a garden area that is free from shade throughout the day as consistent, direct sunlight is key for optimal growth and bloom production. Avoid planting in areas that receive only partial sun or are heavily shaded, as this can impede the plant's growth and flowering.
TemperatureDahlias such as 'Cream Alva's' prefer temperate conditions and are typically grown as annuals because of their sensitivity to cold. The ideal growing temperatures for Dahlias are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, though they can survive in temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit as long as they are well-watered. They cannot tolerate freezing temperatures; anything below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can harm or kill the plant. To ensure the best growth and flowering, protect the plant from extreme temperatures and frost.
PruningPruning Dahlias, such as the 'Cream Alva's' variety, is essential for maintaining plant health and promoting vigorous blooms. The best time to prune is early in the growing season when you can pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushiness. As the plant grows, remove any weak or dead stems and spent flowers to direct the plant’s energy into producing new blooms. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis throughout the blooming season to keep the plant tidy and focused on producing high-quality flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in a rich, well-draining soil mix with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. The best soil mix for Dahlia 'Cream Alva's' consists of a balance of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Amend the soil with organic compost to provide essential nutrients.
RepottingDahlias, including the Dahlia 'Cream Alva's,' should typically be repotted every year. Since they are grown from tubers, repotting is done in the spring after the last frost when you’re ready to plant them outside. This helps to refresh the soil and provide the plant with more space to grow.
Humidity & MistingDahlias, such as the Dahlia 'Cream Alva's,' are not particularly humidity-sensitive and will do well in average garden conditions. A general outdoor humidity level between 40-60% is suitable, but they are adaptable to various environments so long as the soil moisture is well-regulated.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, fertile soil, ample water, and good drainage.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Dahlia 'Cream Alva's' (D) begins with the germination of tubers, typically planted after the threat of frost has passed in the spring. Upon planting, the tubers sprout shoots, and as the plants grow, they develop sturdy stems and intricately formed foliage. The 'Cream Alva's' variety, known for its creamy-white blossoms, enters the flowering stage in midsummer and continues blooming into the fall until the first frost. As temperatures drop, the plant's aerial parts die back, and the tubers enter a period of dormancy. Gardeners usually dig up the tubers in autumn to overwinter them in a cool, frost-free location for replanting the next year. With proper care during the growing season, including fertilization and pest control, the plant completes its life cycle annually through this pattern of growth, flowering, and dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The Dahlia 'Cream Alva's', commonly known as the Dahlia, can be propagated most popularly through division. The ideal time for this method is in the spring when the tubers have begun to sprout and the danger of frost has passed. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clumps of dahlia tubers after the foliage has died back in the fall, and store them in a cool, frost-free place over the winter. Come spring, each clump should have multiple sprouts. Using a sharp, clean knife or garden shears, divide the tubers ensuring each division has at least one eye or sprout. The cut surfaces can be dusted with fungicide to prevent rotting. These divisions can then be planted directly into the garden, ensuring that the top of the tuber is just below the soil surface, typically about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) deep.
