Dahlia Dahlia 'Hamari Bride' (S-c)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Hamari Bride' is characterized by its lavish and ornate blossoms that are a delightful draw in any garden setting. The flowers exhibit a luxurious, creamy white coloring that exudes a sense of purity and elegance. Each petal is meticulously structured, contributing to an overall appearance of fullness and symmetry, a hallmark of the Semi-Cactus form. The petals tend to curve backward slightly, creating points that give the flower a soft yet striking starburst effect. The blooms are substantial and showy, making them a central feature of the plant. The foliage is a lush, deep green that serves as a perfect backdrop to the luminous white flowers, emphasizing their brightness. Together, the contrast between the petals and the leaves presents a classic and sophisticated visual harmony. This plant is a true spectacle when in full bloom, drawing the eye and capturing the imagination with its delicate charm and intricate floral architecture.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Dahlia, Hamari Bride
Common names
Dahlia 'Hamari Bride' (S-c).
- Toxicity
To humans
Dahlias, including the variety 'Hamari Bride', are not considered toxic to humans. They do not contain compounds known to cause serious poisoning if ingested. However, as with any non-food plant, consuming large amounts of plant material could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the presence of non-digestible fibers and other plant constituents which humans aren't accustomed to eating. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as a general precaution.
To pets
Dahlias, such as 'Hamari Bride', are also not toxic to pets. They are not known to contain any substances that are poisonous to cats or dogs. If a pet were to consume a small amount of dahlia, it is unlikely to cause more than mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or vomiting, primarily due to the ingestion of non-food plant material rather than specific toxicity. However, it's best to prevent pets from eating plants as some may have varying sensitivities.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Dahlia 'Hamari Bride' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its large, showy flowers.
- Extended Blooming Period: This variety typically has a long flowering season from mid-summer until the first frost, providing lasting color in the garden.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blooms can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Cutting Garden Plant: The flowers are excellent for cutting and creating floral arrangements, due to their size and structure.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for borders, beds, and as a feature plant, offering versatility in garden design.
- Color Options: Comes in a range of colors, providing options for garden color schemes.
- Easy Propagation: Can be propagated by division or from cuttings, making it easy for gardeners to multiply their plants.
- Community Engagement: Often used in competitive gardening and flower shows, it helps in bringing together gardening enthusiasts.
- 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
- Dahlias like 'Hamari Bride' can be used in religious ceremonies, where their vibrant blooms may decorate altars, processions, or sanctuaries to add color and a festive atmosphere.
- The tubers of dahlias can be experimented with in culinary arts, being edible they can be roasted or boiled and served as a root vegetable, though it's not common practice with ornamental varieties like 'Hamari Bride'.
- In art, the striking form and pattern of 'Hamari Bride' can inspire designs and motifs in textiles, including embroidery, fabric prints, or fashion accessories.
- Photography enthusiasts might use 'Hamari Bride' dahlias as a subject to practice macro photography due to their intricate petal structures and vibrant colors.
- Biology education can benefit from 'Hamari Bride' dahlias, as they can serve as a model to study plant biology, reproduction, and hybridization techniques.
- Dahlias can be used in cognitive therapy gardens where the variety of colors and shapes, including those of 'Hamari Bride', help stimulate mental engagement and emotional well-being.
- In eco-friendly construction, the dried stems of dahlias can be innovatively used as a natural insulating material or in creating decorative lattice works.
- For practicing ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, dahlias such as 'Hamari Bride' provide a bold focal point that adheres to the discipline's aesthetic principles.
- In crafting, the petals of 'Hamari Bride' can be pressed and used to create natural dyes or inclusions in handmade papers or resin jewelry.
- During composting education and activities, dahlia plants and flowers, including those of 'Hamari Bride', can be demonstrated as a nitrogen-rich addition to compost bins.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Elegance and Dignity: The Dahlia 'Hamari Bride', with its sophisticated form and captivating presence, often symbolizes an enduring grace and poise.
- Commitment and Bond: Given as a gift, it can represent a lasting commitment or a bond that stands the test of time.
- Creative Spirit: With its intricate petals and unique pattern, the Dahlia is also associated with a burst of creativity and the inspiration behind artistic endeavors.
- Change and Diversity: Dahlias, in general, come in various shapes and sizes, signifying diversity and welcoming change.
- Wealth and Prosperity: The lushness of the Dahlia often makes it a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
- Personal Transformation: As dahlias bloom in an array of stunning varieties, they are also seen as emblems of personal growth and transformation.
- Water
Water the Dahlia, commonly known as 'Hamari Bride', deeply to fully saturate the soil around its roots, ensuring that excess water drains away to prevent rot. In general, aim to water once a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons per plant, depending on the weather and soil conditions. During peak blooming season or in very hot, dry conditions, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler weather or if rain is abundant, you might water less often. Make sure to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease. A consistent watering schedule will help maintain robust blooms and healthy growth.
- Light
Dahlias like 'Hamari Bride' thrive best in full sunlight, meaning they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. The ideal spot for this plant would be in a location that receives morning sunlight, which is less intense than the afternoon sun. If grown in partial shade, the plant may produce fewer blooms and have a less vigorous growth. Avoid placing Dahlias in full shade, as they will not perform well without adequate sunlight.
- Temperature
Dahlias, including the 'Hamari Bride', prefer temperatures that range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for ideal growth. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can be damaging to the plants. In the summer, they can handle temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's important to ensure they have sufficient water during hotter periods. Providing a mulch layer can help regulate soil temperature and moisture.
- Pruning
Prune 'Hamari Bride' Dahlias to encourage a bushier plant with more flowers and enhance overall plant health. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate new blooms. Cut back the stems by about one-third in early summer to promote branching. After the first killing frost in autumn, cut the plants down to a few inches above the soil. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp tools to minimize the risk of disease.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Dahlias thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. For Dahlia 'Hamari Bride', a soil mix with equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand would provide the ideal structure and fertility. Itβs also beneficial to incorporate a slow-release fertilizer to nurture the plant throughout the season.
- Repotting
Dahlias, including 'Hamari Bride', should be repotted annually. They are typically repotted in the spring when starting tubers indoors or transplanting to the garden after the threat of frost has passed.
- Humidity & Misting
Dahlias like 'Hamari Bride' prefer moderate humidity levels. While they can tolerate a range of humidity, they do best in environments that mimic their native climates, which typically aren't extremely humid. Avoid overly wet conditions that can promote fungal diseases.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Dahlia 'Hamari Bride' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Hamari Bride' in full sun and shelter from strong winds outside.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
- Life cycle
Dahlias, including the 'Hamari Bride', begin their life cycle as tubers planted after the last frost of spring. The tubers sprout and develop into bushy plants, with the 'Hamari Bride' variety producing large, lush blooms typically in summer to early fall. As a tender perennial, it reaches full maturity within the same growing season, with flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Following the blooming period, the plant's growth slows as temperatures drop; in colder climates, tubers are often lifted and stored over winter. When stored properly, the tubers enter a period of dormancy until they are replanted the following spring. If left in the ground in milder climates, they may naturally re-sprout when conditions become favorable, continuing their growth cycle into the next season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Hamari Bride', which falls into the semi-cactus (S-c) category of dahlias, is through division of tubers. This process is best done in the spring, just as the plants begin to sprout and the danger of frost has passed. The tubers, which are swollen underground storage organs, should be carefully dug up and gently cleaned of excess soil. Look for natural divisions where there are visible eyes or buds, and with a sharp, clean knife, cut the tubers making sure each piece has at least one eye. These divisions can then be planted directly into the garden, with the eye or sprouting point just above the surface of the soil. Ideally, these should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to provide ample growing space as the plants mature. It is crucial to keep the newly planted tubers well-watered but not waterlogged, as excess moisture can cause them to rot.