Dahlia Dahlia 'Fairway Spur' (D)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Fairway Spur' is a vibrant and eye-catching plant that sports large, showy flowers known for their intricate petal arrangements and stunning coloration. The flowers bloom with a rich and fiery hue, consisting of a warm blend of reds and oranges, often highlighted with splashes or tips of yellow that create a flame-like appearance. These elaborate blooms can have a layered look with the petals elegantly curving towards the sun, offering a sense of depth and volume. Each petal is smooth and might show some subtle textural variance that catches the light, further enhancing the flower's visual impact. The petals are arranged in a distinctive pattern, radiating from the center of the flower in a pleasing and symmetrical fashion. The flower heads sit atop sturdy stems which are surrounded by lush green foliage. The leaves are typically shaped, with a bright green color that contrasts nicely against the bold colors of the flowers. The foliage can add to the overall bushy and full appearance of the plant, providing a verdant backdrop to the striking floral display. The Dahlia 'Fairway Spur' is a popular choice for gardeners both for their beauty and for their ability to add a dramatic burst of color to any setting. These plants are favorites for cutting gardens, borders, and floral arrangements, contributing texture and a strong visual statement wherever they are planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Fairway Spur'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the 'Fairway Spur' cultivar, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of dahlia poisoning leading to serious health consequences after ingestion by humans. Therefore, eating dahlias is not expected to cause more than mild gastrointestinal discomfort, if any symptoms occur at all.
To pets
Dahlias, including the 'Fairway Spur' variety, are generally regarded as non-toxic to pets, including both dogs and cats. If a pet ingests parts of a dahlia plant, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but there is no widespread evidence of serious health hazards or toxicity resulting from dahlia ingestion by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Dahlia 'Fairway Spur' offers stunning and vibrant blooms that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Variety of Colors: This dahlia comes in a range of colors, providing options for color-themed gardening or vibrant mixes in flower beds.
- Pollinator Friendly: Dahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of the ecosystem.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a lengthy flowering season, typically from midsummer until the first frost, offering long-lasting beauty.
- Cut Flower Garden: The blooms are perfect for cut flower arrangements, with long vase life and impressive blossoms.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlias are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatile Use: The plant is ideal for borders, beds, and containers, offering versatility in garden design and space utilization.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlias can be used as a natural fabric dye, with the petals of 'Fairway Spur' providing a range of soft to vibrant colors depending on the concentration.
- The hollow stems of dahlias can be used by children for blowing bubbles when filled with a soap solution.
- Pressed dahlia flowers are often used in scrapbooking or card making for their intricate patterns and bright colors.
- Petals of the dahlia can be used to create a natural plant pigment for use in watercolor paints or other artistic mediums.
- Dahlia tubers can be carved into stamps for creative crafting, such as fabric stamping or homemade greeting cards.
- As an addition to compost, dahlia plants can contribute bulky organic matter that helps improve soil structure once decomposed.
- With their vibrant colors, dried dahlia petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes along with other aromatic herbs.
- The symmetry and patterns of dahlia blooms can be used as inspiration for mandala art and other forms of meditative drawing.
- Fine dining chefs sometimes use small dahlia flowers or petals to create an elegant garnish on plated desserts or salads.
- Dahlia tubers can be used in survival situations as a rudimentary water filtration system, though they are not as effective as modern filters.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlias are not traditionally associated with Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance: Dahlias, with their intricate petals and stunning form, are often associated with sophistication and elegance.
- Dignity: The well-defined structure of dahlia flowers symbolizes dignity and an ability to stand tall with grace under pressure.
- Creativity: The diverse colors and patterns of dahlias represent creativity, inspiring people to use their imagination and embrace unique ideas.
- Change and Variety: With so many different varieties, dahlias are a symbol of change and diversity, reminding us of the constant flux in life.
- Commitment and Bond That Lasts Forever: Because some species of dahlias have blooming cycles that last longer than the average flower, they are often seen as symbols of a long-lasting bond or commitment.
- Inner Strength: Dahlias bloom from midsummer through fall, often withstanding unfavorable weather conditions. This resilience makes them a symbol of inner strength and the ability to persist through challenges.
WaterDahlias require even, consistent moisture for optimal growth, especially during the growing season. Water your Dahlia 'Fairway Spur' deeply to saturate the soil around the roots, providing about one to two inches of water per week. In hotter, drier periods, you might need to water more frequently, possibly every other day, to maintain moisture. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightDahlias thrive in full sun, ideally receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for your Dahlia 'Fairway Spur' is in an area where it can bask in the morning sun and be protected from the intense heat of late afternoon sun if you live in a hotter climate. Adequate sunlight ensures vigorous growth and profuse flowering.
TemperatureDahlias prefer temperatures ranging between 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth. The Dahlia 'Fairway Spur' can survive short periods of higher temperatures but constantly high temperatures can stress the plant. They can handle a minimum temperature down to about 50°F; however, frost is detrimental to dahlias, and they should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing.
PruningPruning Dahlias, such as the 'Fairway Spur', encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch out the growing tips when the plant is about a foot tall, and remove any weak or excessive growth throughout the season. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. The best time for pruning is from early to mid-growth season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Fairway Spur' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to improve drainage. Regularly adding compost will provide nutrients and maintain soil health for optimal growth.
RepottingDahlia 'Fairway Spur' should be repotted annually, typically in the spring before new growth begins. If the tubers have increased in size and are crowding the pot, choose a slightly larger container to allow for continued growth.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer moderate humidity levels. If the air is too dry, the leaves may become crisp, but too much humidity can lead to fungal diseases. Aiming for a humidity level around 40-60% is generally suitable for Dahlia 'Fairway Spur'.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dahlias in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
In full sun to partial shade, in rich soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Dahlia 'Fairway Spur' begins with a tuber planted after the last frost, which sprouts into a stem with leaves. As it grows, the stem branches out and forms buds that eventually bloom into vibrant, showy flowers during summer or early autumn. After flowering, the plant can be deadheaded to encourage additional blooms. As temperatures drop in autumn, the plant's foliage dies back, and the tubers enter a dormant phase. In cold climates, tubers are typically dug up, stored, and overwintered in a cool, dry place to protect them from frost. In the subsequent spring, the stored tubers are replanted, thus restarting the decorative plant's growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The Dahlia 'Fairway Spur', which is a stunning variety of Dahlia, is typically propagated by division or taking cuttings from tubers in the spring. The most popular method involves dividing the tubers. After the parent plant has been lifted from the ground in fall and the foliage has died back, the tubers are stored in a cool, frost-free place over winter. Come spring, each tuber clump that has at least one eye—this is a point on the tuber from which new growth will sprout—can be divided with a clean, sharp knife, ensuring that each division has at least one eye. The cut surfaces are often allowed to dry and callous over for a day before planting. These divided tubers are then planted in well-draining soil, about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) deep, and spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth.
