Dahlia Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo' (PBR) (Gallery Series) (D)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo' is a strikingly beautiful flowering plant that is part of the Gallery Series. It is known for its vibrant, showy blooms that are a delight to any garden. The flowers are the most striking feature of this plant, with a warm, apricot-orange hue that can sometimes exhibit more yellow or pink tones depending on the light and maturity of the bloom. These blooms are composed of a mix of both long, slender petals and shorter, more rounded petals, giving the flowers a full, lush appearance. The centers of the flowers typically boast a different shade, with a burst of golden yellows that blend seamlessly into the surrounding orange petals. This creates a harmonious gradient of warm colors, truly reminiscent of a painter's palate, hence the fitting name 'Gallery Leonardo'. The flowers have a slightly cupped shape, with the petals arranged in a regular pattern that radiates out from the center, providing a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing form. Contrasting against these splendid blooms, the foliage of the plant is a rich, deep green, providing a perfect backdrop that makes the colors of the flowers pop even more. The leaves are shaped in an elongated manner with pointed tips and a smooth texture, adding to the overall lushness of the plant. The interaction between the striking flowers and the verdant foliage creates a stunning visual display, making Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo' a favorite among garden enthusiasts for its ornamental value.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Gallery Leonardo Dahlia, Bedding Dahlia, Border Dahlia, Container Dahlia.
Common names
Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo', are not considered to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of dahlias causing poisoning when touched or ingested. However, like with any plant, individual allergic reactions are possible, and it is generally not advisable to eat ornamental plants due to the possibility of gastrointestinal discomfort or other non-toxic symptoms.
To pets
Dahlias are also generally considered non-toxic to pets. The Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo' should not cause serious harm if ingested by cats, dogs, or other household pets. However, it is always possible for a pet to have an individual allergic reaction or experience mild gastrointestinal upset from eating plant material that is not part of their normal diet. If a pet displays symptoms after ingestion, such as excessive drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact growth habit: Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo' has a smaller stature and bushier habit, making it well-suited for container gardening and smaller garden spaces.
- Vibrant blooms: The plant produces richly colored flowers that can provide a stunning visual display in any garden or floral arrangement.
- Long flowering period: With proper care, this variety of dahlia can bloom from midsummer until the first frosts, offering color for an extended period.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Easy to grow: Suitable for novice gardeners, dahlias are relatively easy to grow and can thrive with basic garden care.
- Versatile use: The striking flowers make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements, adding beauty to any indoor space.
- Wide range of uses: Beyond the garden, dahlias are often used in landscaping, public gardens, and as decorative plants for various events and occasions.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, dahlias can be quite resilient and can withstand temporary dry periods better than many other flowering plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Projects: Dried Dahlia petals can be used in scrapbooking, card making, or as part of a potpourri mix, adding color and a unique texture to creative designs.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals of Dahlia flowers can be boiled to extract a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues ranging from pinks to yellows depending on the mordant used.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of Dahlias can provide an aesthetically pleasing garnish for sophisticated dishes, and the petals can add a splash of color to salads.
- Photography Subjects: Due to their intricate petals and stunning colors, Dahlia flowers are popular among photographers, serving as excellent subjects for macro and portrait photography.
- Horticultural Competitions: Gardeners often grow Dahlias to enter into flower shows, where they compete for the best bloom, size, or overall health of their Dahlia plants.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Bio-degradable and more eco-friendly than paper or plastic, Dahlia petals can be used as natural confetti for outdoor celebrations.
- Teaching Tool: Dahlias can serve as an educational tool in botany and horticulture classes, demonstrating plant growth, hybridization, and care principles.
- Personal Care Products: Dahlia petals can be infused in oils to create fragrant bases for lotions, creams, or balms, though one must ensure they are non-toxic and safe for skin contact.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Petals of the Dahlia can be frozen into ice cubes to add an elegant touch to drinks served at special events or summertime parties.
- Indicator Plants: In a garden, certain pests may prefer Dahlias over other plants, so they can act as indicator plants, revealing the presence of these pests early on.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: Due to its sophisticated bloom structure and presentation, Dahlia often symbolizes elegance and dignity, reflecting a sense of gracefulness and poise.
- Change and Variety: With a wide variety of colors and forms, Dahlias represent diversity, change, and variety, reminding us of the ever-changing aspect of life.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlia flowers are often associated with a lasting bond and commitment between two people, making them popular in floral arrangements for special occasions that honor such relationships.
- Inner Strength: The flower can stand as a symbol of inner strength, due to its sturdy stem and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, signifying resilience and the ability to stand with grace under pressure.
- Creativity: Because of the Dahlia's rich variety in color and form, it can also be a symbol of creativity and inspiration, encouraging people to embrace their own uniqueness and express themselves boldly.
WaterDahlias, including the 'Gallery Leonardo', typically require deep and consistent watering to thrive, especially during the growing season. Water the soil directly to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Provide about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. It is crucial not to overwater as this can cause tuber rot.
LightDahlias such as 'Gallery Leonardo' perform best in full sunlight, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot in the garden that is well-exposed to sunlight throughout the day to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth. Partial shade is tolerable but may result in fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe 'Gallery Leonardo' dahlia thrives in a temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for vigorous growth and blooming. It can tolerate temperatures as low as about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but extreme temperatures outside this range can be harmful to the plant. To ensure optimal growth, protect the plant from frost and excessive heat.
PruningPruning 'Gallery Leonardo' dahlias is necessary to encourage bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch off the growing tips when the plant is about 16 inches tall to promote branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote further blooming throughout the season. The ideal time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive best in a rich, well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.5 and 7. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite is ideal for Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo' to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular organic matter enrichment will benefit plant growth and flower production.
RepottingDahlia 'Gallery Leonardo' should be repotted annually, often in the spring as new growth appears. The tubers should be lifted, divided if necessary, and planted in fresh soil to revitalize the plant and promote vigorous growth for the coming season.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Gallery Leonardo' prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They can tolerate the humidity found in most outdoor garden settings. Ensuring good air circulation around the plants will help keep humidity levels in the ideal range for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, keep soil moist, fertilize monthly.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, consistent water, mulch, deadhead.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo' begins with the germination of seeds or the sprouting of tubers in the spring after the last frost when soil temperatures reach about 60°F (15°C). As they grow, the plants develop a sturdy stem and a lush foliage, entering the vegetative stage. During the early to mid-summer, the Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo' enters the flowering stage, showcasing its distinctive blooms, which can be enjoyed until the first frost. After flowering, in autumn, the plant prepares for dormancy; the above-ground portion dies back, and the tubers can be left in the ground or lifted and stored in a cool, frost-free place. Throughout the winter, the stored tubers are in a rest phase, conserving energy for the next growing season. In the following spring, the cycle begins anew when the tubers are replanted or the stored seeds are sown, thus continuing the life cycle of the elegant Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo'.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Dahlia 'Gallery Leonardo' is by dividing the tuberous roots. This is typically done in the spring, just before the growing season begins. Gardeners will carefully dig up the clumps of dahlia tubers after the foliage has been killed by frost and the plant is dormant. Each tuber clump is then gently broken apart, making sure that each division has at least one eye, which is a point on the tuber from which new growth will sprout. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 18-24 inches apart (about 45-60 centimeters apart), and at a depth where the top of the tuber is about 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) beneath the soil surface. Care should be taken to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as the new plants establish themselves.
