Dahlia Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series
ABOUT
The Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series is a vibrant and showy group of plants known for their large, colorful blooms that make a bold statement in any garden. These flowers come in a wide variety of hues including red, pink, yellow, orange, purple, and white, often with different shades blending or contrasting in the same flower head. The blooms are characterized by their layered petals that form intricate patterns, ranging from tightly closed buds to fully open flowers that can be either pompom-like or flat and disc-shaped, depending on the variety. The petals may have rounded or pointed tips, and some varieties feature petals that are curved or rolled backward, adding to their visual interest. The leaves of a Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series plant are typically bright green and have a glossy appearance. Their shape is generally oblong, with edges that can be toothed or smooth, and they grow on sturdy stems that may or may not be branched. The foliage forms a lush backdrop that highlights the beauty of the flowers and contrasts nicely with the vivid colors. These plants are appreciated for their extended flowering period, from early summer to the first frosts of fall, providing a long-lasting display of color in garden beds, borders, and containers.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series.
- Toxicity
To humans
Dahlias are not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects reported from ingesting dahlias. Therefore, there shouldn't be any symptoms of poisoning or serious consequences from eating parts of this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could possibly cause mild discomfort.
To pets
Dahlias are generally non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. They are not known to cause serious illness or death if ingested. However, some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhoea if they consume a large amount of the plant. As with any non-food item, ingestion of large quantities can potentially lead to an intestinal blockage. Pet owners should always monitor their animals to prevent ingestion of plants not meant for consumption.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Colorful Blooms: Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series produces vibrant and large flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden or landscape.
- Long Blooming Period: Dahlias typically bloom from midsummer until the first frost, providing long-lasting beauty.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, they offer versatility for different gardening needs.
- Improves Biodiversity: Planting dahlias can contribute to the diversity of plant life in an area, which is beneficial for the environment.
- Easy to Grow: With proper care, they are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Dahlia petals as a natural dye: The vibrant petals of the Dahlia can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of beautiful and sustainable colors.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of the Dahlia can be used as biodegradable confetti for weddings and other celebrations, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic confetti.
- Craft supplies: Dahlias can be used in dried flower arrangements or for making potpourri, providing long-lasting decorations with natural appeal.
- Photographic subject: With their striking colors and intricate forms, Dahlias can be used by photographers as a captivating subject for botanical and artistic photography.
- Insect habitat: Planting Dahlias in gardens can help to create a bio-diverse environment, attracting and providing a habitat for beneficial insects.
- Culinary decoration: Edible varieties of Dahlia petals can be used to decorate cakes and pastries, adding an elegant touch to desserts.
- Teaching tool: Dahlias can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, hybridization, and the variety that can occur within a single species due to selective breeding.
- Artistic inspiration: The diverse forms and colors of Dahlias have inspired artists and designers, who use them as muses for patterns, paintings, and fashion.
- Floral competitions: Dahlia enthusiasts often grow and cultivate these flowers to enter into floral competitions, showcasing the beauty and variety of the blooms.
- Color palettes: The wide range of colors found in Dahlia flowers can be used by interior designers and artists to create visually appealing color schemes.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Elegance: The Dahlia's intricate petals and graceful appearance often symbolize a lasting grace and dignity.
- Diversity: Dahlias come in various forms and colors, representing diversity and the embrace of uniqueness.
- Commitment: Given their sturdy stems and blooms that last into late summer and autumn, dahlias can signify a strong bond and commitment that withstands time.
- Change: Dahlias, which bloom from midsummer to first frost, often represent change and the ability to thrive despite challenges.
- Creative spirit: With their rich variety of colors and forms, dahlias are often associated with a burst of creative energy and inspiration.
- Water
Dahlias prefer consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water the Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series thoroughly, allowing the water to reach deep into the soil, which encourages deep root growth. They should be watered approximately two to three times a week, depending on weather conditions. However, during particularly hot or dry periods, they may require more frequent watering. On average, dahlias in garden beds may need about 1-inch of water per week, while potted dahlias may need approximately a gallon per week. Adjust the amount based on rainfall and temperature, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Light
Dahlias thrive in full sunlight, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunshine each day. The Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series will perform best when planted in a location that ensures maximum exposure to sunlight without any shade, as this will encourage abundant flowering. Avoid planting in areas that are shaded for a large part of the day, as this can reduce blooming and lead to leggy growth.
- Temperature
Dahlias enjoy warm conditions and the Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series is no exception. They typically thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. These plants can generally withstand temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost, which can cause damage. The ideal growing conditions include daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pruning
Pruning encourages bushier growth and more prolific blooms in dahlias. For the Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series, prune by pinching out the growing tip of the main stem to promote branching and more flowers. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to maintain a neat appearance and encourage further flowering. The best time for pruning is late spring, after the new growth is well underway.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Dahlias flourish in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.5. A good soil mix for Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series includes two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or coco coir, and one part perlite or vermiculite. This composition ensures adequate drainage, while retaining sufficient moisture. Add compost to enrich the soil with organic matter and provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Dahlias, such as the Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series, typically don't need to be repotted often. They are usually planted annually, so repotting is done when you plant new tubers each spring. If you're overwintering tubers indoors, repot and refresh the soil annually when you replant them outside after the last frost.
- Humidity & Misting
Dahlias like the Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series prefer moderate humidity levels, akin to that found in their native environments. Ambient outdoor humidity is generally suitable, but if grown indoors, aim for a relative humidity level around 40-60%. Avoid overly humid conditions as this can lead to fungal diseases.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, good air flow, and pot in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Place in full sun, rich soil, and water consistently.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series, commonly known simply as Dahlia, begins its life cycle when a tuber is planted in spring after the last frost. It then germinates and sprouts into a seedling, which gradually matures into a full-grown plant with a sturdy stem and leaves. As the Dahlia grows, it develops buds that eventually blossom into large, vibrant flowers during the summer and into early fall. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, but most gardeners propagate Dahlias from tubers rather than seeds. As temperatures drop in late fall, the above-ground part of the Dahlia dies back while the tuber goes dormant underground through the winter. In preparation for the next growing season, the cycle can be continued by dividing tubers and replanting them.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia Dalina Maxi Series, commonly known as Dahlia, is often propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time to divide dahlias is in the spring when the sprouts have begun to emerge from the tubers. Gardeners typically dig up the clumps of dahlia tubers after the last frost date when the soil is workable. Carefully breaking apart the clump, each division should include at least one eye, which is the point from where the new growth will sprout. The divisions are then planted into well-draining soil, ensuring that the eye is positioned just above the soil surface. It's important to space the tubers about 18 inches (approximately 46 centimeters) apart to provide enough room for the plants to grow. This method of dividing and replanting the tubers ensures a healthy, productive dahlia garden.