Dahlia Dahlia 'Elma E.' (D)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Elma E.' is a flowering plant known for its vibrant and showy blooms. This particular variety boasts flowers that are large and have a unique form. The petals are often arranged in a distinctive pattern that can either be tight and formal or more relaxed and open, creating an intriguing display. The color of the blooms can range from a single hue to a blend of several complementary colors, producing a visually striking effect. The leaves of the Dahlia 'Elma E.' are typically green and may have a lush, robust presence that offers a verdant backdrop to the vivid flowers. The overall appearance of this Dahlia cultivar is one of lushness and drama, making it a popular choice for gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Elma E.'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Elma E.', are generally considered nontoxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning from ingesting dahlias. As with any non-food plant, ingestion may cause some gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or diarrhea, but severe toxicity is not typically associated with dahlias.
To pets
Dahlias, like the Dahlia 'Elma E.', are also generally considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. While not commonly associated with poisoning, ingestion may result in mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. Symptoms could include mild vomiting or diarrhea, but serious toxicity is unlikely. However, it is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as individual reactions can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlias are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which aid in pollination.
- Colorful Blooms: Dahlias like 'Elma E.' provide striking flowers that can vary in color, perfect for adding vibrancy to a garden.
- Extended Flowering Season: With proper care, dahlias can bloom from midsummer through fall, offering prolonged periods of beauty.
- Variety of Uses: They are versatile and can be grown as bedding plants, borders, in container gardens or as cut flowers for arrangements.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlias are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of various skill levels.
- Garden Design: Their range of sizes and forms allows for creative garden design and landscape aesthetics.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlias, such as 'Elma E.', can be used in photography as a subject for macro and nature photography due to their intricate patterns and vivid colors.
- In the culinary arts, some varieties of dahlias are known to have edible tubers that can be used similarly to sweet potatoes in cooking.
- The stalks of dahlias can be utilized in papermaking, where the fiber from the stalks is added to the pulp to create textured, decorative papers.
- Dahlia flowers are employed in the art of natural dyeing, providing a range of colors from their petals for fabrics and textiles.
- They can serve as inspiration for artists and designers, influencing patterns in fabric design, wallpaper, and other decorative arts.
- During educational activities, dahlias can be dissected to study the anatomy of flowering plants and understand pollination processes.
- The large, showy flowers are often used in float decorations during parades, as they are robust and come in a multitude of colors.
- Dahlia petals can be used to create organic confetti for celebrations and weddings, offering a biodegradable option that is gentler on the environment.
- They may be utilized in crafting, where blossoms can be pressed and preserved in glass frames or used in handmade greeting cards and bookmarks.
- Due to their diverse and vivid appearances, dahlias are also useful in color therapy practices to provide visual stimulation and promote relaxation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Dignity: Dahlias are often associated with dignity due to their intricate petals and upright posture, representing self-respect and the ability to stand tall despite challenges.
- Change: The diverse forms and colors of dahlias symbolize change and diversity. They can be a reminder to embrace variation and flexibility in life.
- Commitment and bond that lasts forever: Giving dahlias can represent a lasting commitment or a bond that stands the test of time, owing to their enduring blooming season.
- Inner strength: Often, dahlias are symbols of inner strength, as they flourish in a variety of conditions and thus signify resilience and the ability to persist through difficulties.
- Elegance and grace: The elegant shape and vibrant colors of the Dahlia 'Elma E.' convey a sense of grace and sophistication, often used to express these qualities in a person or setting.
WaterDahlias, including the Dahlia 'Elma E.', should be watered deeply to encourage strong root development, which typically means providing enough water to soak the soil to a depth of several inches. Watering should be done two to three times per week, depending on weather conditions, with about 1 to 2 gallons of water for each plant during the growing season. It's critical to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the hotter, drier periods, you may need to water more frequently; however, always check the soil moisture before watering to make sure it has partially dried.
LightThe best light conditions for Dahlias like 'Elma E.' is full sunlight, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They should be planted in a spot that receives ample morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun in very hot climates. Adequate light is essential for the plant to produce vigorous growth and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureDahlias like 'Elma E.' prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can withstand temperatures as low as the high 30s and as high as the low 90s for short periods. The ideal growing conditions would be warm days and cooler nights. Dahlias are not frost-tolerant, so they must be protected or dug up and stored when temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit are expected.
PruningPrune Dahlias such as 'Elma E.' to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tips when the plant is about 16 inches tall to encourage branching. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done consistently throughout the blooming season to encourage continued blooming. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite can create an ideal growing medium for Dahlia 'Elma E.'
RepottingDahlias, such as Dahlia 'Elma E.', typically do not need to be repotted as they are grown as annuals. However, their tubers should be lifted and stored during the winter and replanted each spring.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and do not require specific humidity conditions as long as they have good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Dahlias indoors with bright light and good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant Dahlias outdoors in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Dahlia 'Elma E.' begins with the germination of seeds or the sprouting of tubers in the early spring. After sprouting, the plant enters a vegetative stage where it develops a robust stem and foliage, with leaves emerging from the stem in an alternate pattern. As the plant matures, it undergoes a period of rapid growth, leading to the budding stage where flower buds form at the tips of the branches. The flowering stage follows, with the 'Elma E.' Dahlia producing its vibrant and showy blooms that can be a range of colors including shades of red, orange, white, and pink during late summer to fall. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads if the blooms are not deadheaded. As temperatures drop in late fall or early winter, the plant goes dormant, the aerial parts die back, and the tubers can be left in the ground or dug up and stored for the next growing season depending on the climate.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Dahlia 'Elma E.' can be propagated most effectively through the division of tubers, which is best done in spring just before the new growth starts. First, the clump of tubers should be carefully dug up from the ground, taking care not to damage the tubers. After cleaning off the soil, the gardener should look for natural divisions and cut between them using a sharp, sterile knife, ensuring that each division has at least one eye, which is where new growth will emerge. The divided tubers can then be planted directly into the ground at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart. The divisions should be watered well, and with proper care, they will grow into new Dahlia 'Elma E.' plants.
