Dahlia Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis' (D)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis' is a striking and ornamental plant known for its unique and beautiful flowers. This particular variety boasts blooms that present a stunning blend of colors, typically featuring petals that are a pale lilac or blush pink at the base, transitioning to a deep, velvety purple at the tips. The petals are arranged in a circular fashion, creating a full and lush appearance. Its blossoms are made up of numerous individual petals that are slightly curved, giving depth and volume to each flower. The lushness of the flower heads is contrasted with the rich green foliage, which consists of sturdy, glossy leaves that provide a perfect backdrop to the dramatic blooms. The overall effect of Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis' is one of elegance and bold visual impact, making it a favored choice for gardeners and floral enthusiasts aiming to add a touch of sophistication and drama to their displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Creme de Cassis
Common names
Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They do not contain substances known to be poisonous, and accidental ingestion typically does not result in harm. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause mild stomach upset or skin irritation in some people.
To pets
Dahlias are also considered non-toxic to pets. If a pet were to ingest parts of a Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis', it is unlikely to suffer from poisoning. Nonetheless, ingestion of plant material can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if consumed in large quantities or in pets with sensitive stomachs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis' offers stunning purple petals with a hint of white, adding a pop of color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which help in the pollination of plants and the overall health of gardens.
- Versatile Garden Use: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, making it a flexible choice for various garden designs and purposes.
- Height and Structure: With its tall stems and robust blooms, it provides vertical interest and can serve as a focal point or backdrop in garden beds.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias have a lengthy blooming period, often from midsummer until the first frosts, offering sustained beauty.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis' is relatively easy to grow and maintain, which makes it accessible for gardeners of most experience levels.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The vivid and variegated hues of the Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis' flowers make them a popular subject for photographers, especially for macro photography.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals of the Dahlia can be used to create a range of natural fabric dyes that impart unique patterns and colors to textiles.
- Culinary Garnish: The eye-catching petals of this Dahlia can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts for an extra touch of elegance.
- Craft Projects: The dried petals and blooms can be integrated into craft projects, such as creating homemade paper, bookmarks, or petal-laden potpourri.
- Floral Art: Dahlia flowers, with their intricate patterns and colors, can be used in the creation of floral art and installations, particularly as the centerpiece due to their striking appearance.
- Wedding Decor: With its luxurious appearance, Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis' can be used extensively in wedding décor, from table centerpieces to bridal bouquets.
- Insect Habitats: Dahlias can be used to promote biodiversity by attracting and providing habitats for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies in a garden.
- Teaching Tool: Dalhia flowers can be used in educational settings to teach botanical science, including plant biology, pollination, and hybridization.
- Feng Shui: In the practice of Feng Shui, placing Dahlia flowers in the home is believed to bring positive energy and improve the aesthetic flow of the living space.
- Creative Inspiration: The stunning beauty and variety of Dahlia flowers can serve as a muse for artists and designers, inspiring creations in various fields including fashion, interior design, and painting.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Diversity and Variety: Dahlias come in numerous cultivars and 'Crème de Cassis' is just one example, showcasing the diversity and variety present in the Dahlia genus, symbolizing the uniqueness and varied qualities in individuals and ideas.
- Elegance and Dignity: With its sophisticated color palette and graceful form, the 'Crème de Cassis' Dahlia embodies a sense of elegance and dignity, making it a perfect gift for someone who carries themselves with composure and self-respect.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are perennial plants that return year after year, which can be a symbol of a lasting commitment or a strong bond in relationships.
- Change and Transition: The life cycle of a Dahlia from a bulb to a stunning flower can represent personal growth or change, as well as the transition periods in life's journey.
- Wealth and Prosperity: Dahlias are often associated with wealth and prosperity due to their full, rich blooms, suggesting abundance in a metaphorical or material sense.
WaterDahlias, including 'Crème de Cassis,' prefer even moisture and should be watered deeply. During active growth, water the plants once or twice a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. To ensure deep watering, apply the water slowly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In especially hot or dry weather, you may need to water every other day. Always check the soil before watering; it should be dry an inch below the surface. If using a watering can or a hose, this translates to roughly 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant, per week, under normal conditions.
LightDahlias thrive best in full sun conditions, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Position the 'Crème de Cassis' Dahlia in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day for optimal growth and blooming. Avoid planting in areas where buildings, trees, or other structures may cast shade on the Dahlia for extended periods.
TemperatureDahlias, including the 'Crème de Cassis,' prefer temperatures between 60°F and 70°F for ideal growth. They can survive a minimum temperature of about 50°F, but growth can be stunted below this point. On the upper end, temperatures above 75°F may necessitate additional watering to help the Dahlia cope with heat stress. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 32°F as Dahlias are not frost-tolerant and can be damaged or killed by freezing temperatures.
PruningPruning Dahlias, such as 'Crème de Cassis,' encourages healthy growth and proper air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases. They should be pruned by pinching back the growing tips once the plant reaches about a foot in height to promote bushiness. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season will encourage continuous blooming. Perform major pruning and cutback once the plant has died back after first frost in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in a fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand is optimal for Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis' to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingDahlias, including the Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis', generally do not need to be repotted as they are often grown as annuals. Tubers are lifted and stored during winter and replanted the following spring.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer a moderate humidity level but are quite adaptable. They can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in outdoor gardens without issue.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and ample space.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, space tubers 45cm apart.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis' begins with a tuber planted after the threat of frost has passed, typically in spring. The tuber sprouts and grows into a bushy plant, with stems, leaves, and eventually buds forming as it matures. The buds bloom in the summer, revealing the characteristic bi-color purple and white flowers unique to 'Crème de Cassis'. The plant continues to flower until the first frost, after which the above-ground foliage dies back. In colder climates, the tubers are often dug up and stored in a cool, dry place during winter to prevent them from freezing. The next spring, the cycle can begin anew with the tubers being replanted, or the plant may self-propagate through seeds or cuttings if left in the ground.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis', commonly known as Dahlia, is typically propagated through division of tubers, which is best done in the spring after the danger of frost has passed and when the new shoots are just starting to emerge from the tubers. This process involves carefully digging up the mature clump of dahlia tubers and gently separating them, ensuring that each division contains at least one eye or bud from which new growth can emerge. Gardeners often cut the tubers with a sharp, sterile knife, letting the cut surfaces dry for a day or two before planting them in well-drained soil to reduce the chance of rot. This method of propagation helps maintain the specific characteristics of 'Crème de Cassis' dahlias, as seed propagation can result in variations that may not be true to the parent plant's form and color.
