Dahlia Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' (D)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' is a showy, vibrant plant recognized for its beautiful flowers that take center stage. The blossoms are large with a dazzling vibrant yellow hue that radiates warmth and brightness, reminiscent of sunshine. Layers of delicate, petal-like structures called ray florets create a full, almost spherical flower head. Closer inspection reveals the intricate arrangement of these florets, which are arranged in a symmetrical pattern, inviting the viewer's gaze into the heart of the flower. The center of the bloom often displays a deeper hue, adding to the depth and complexity of the floral display. Surrounding the bloom, the plant's foliage provides a lush backdrop of verdant green. The leaves are sizable and have an attractive shape, with defined points that add texture to the overall appearance of the plant. Veins run through the leaves, hinting at a robust vascular system that sustains the substantial demands of the blooms. Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' is typically admired for its ornamental qualities, as it adds a splash of color to gardens and serves as a focal point for floral displays. The plant itself exhibits a sturdy and upright posture, providing a stable platform for the extraordinary blooms that it supports.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, such as Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine', are not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant risk of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant, and it is generally regarded as safe for human interaction.
To pets
Dahlias, including Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine', are considered non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Ingesting this plant should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning. It is generally safe for pets, and there are no severe consequences associated with the ingestion of this plant. However, as with any non-food item, ingestion of large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4 feet [1.22 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetically Pleasing: Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' features stunning, sunshine yellow blossoms that add vibrancy and beauty to any garden setting.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers of the dahlia attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias have a long flowering period, from midsummer to the first frost, providing lasting color in the garden.
- Versatile Planting: Dahlias can be grown in borders, containers, and as cut flowers, offering various uses for gardeners and floral enthusiasts.
- Easy Propagation: Tubers can be easily divided in the spring for propagation, allowing gardeners to increase their dahlia collection year after year.
- Wide Range of Uses: Aside from its use in gardens, dahlia flowers are widely used in floral arrangements and bouquets, enhancing the decor of events and homes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia tubers can be used as a starch source in gluten-free cooking, substituting flour in recipes for people with gluten sensitivities.
- The petals of Dahlias are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish in salads or as a decorative accent on cakes and desserts.
- Dahlia flowers can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting hues ranging from yellow to orange depending on the mordant used.
- Dahlia stems, being hollow, can be employed creatively for crafts such as making natural straws or for the construction of lightweight structures in model-making.
- The robust structure of Dahlia flowers makes them suitable for use in organic jewelry, such as earrings or necklaces, when dried and preserved.
- During the Victorian era, Dahlias were a hidden language of flowers; specific colors and forms conveyed distinct messages in bouquets or nosegays.
- Dahlia blooms can be pressed and included in handmade paper to add texture and floral patterns to the finished product.
- Culturally in Mexico, Dahlias are national symbols and are used in celebrations for their vibrant colors and cultural significance.
- Gardeners can use the cut flowers of Dahlias to encourage beneficial insects, like bees and butterflies, to visit their garden landscapes.
- The geometric patterns manifested in Dahlia petals can be mimicked in art and design, providing inspiration for patterns in textiles and wallpaper.
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: Dahlias, including 'Hamari Sunshine', often symbolize elegance and dignity due to their sophisticated bloom shape and stature.
- Commitment and Bond: They represent a lasting bond and commitment between two people, making them a popular choice for wedding decorations and gifts.
- Diversity and Uniqueness: The wide variety of dahlia colors and forms can symbolize diversity and uniqueness, celebrating individuality.
- Creative Spirit: Dahlias are also associated with standing out from the crowd, which can symbolize a wild, creative spirit.
- Change and Transition: Because dahlias bloom for extended periods, they are often associated with change and positive transitions.
- Warning or Betrayal: In some historical contexts, dahlias have been used to signify a warning or sense of betrayal. However, this is less common in contemporary symbolism.
WaterDahlias, including the 'Hamari Sunshine', generally prefer a consistent watering schedule where the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons per plant, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, watering may need to be more frequent. Ensure the water goes directly to the roots and avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. It's important to scale back the watering as the plant prepares to go dormant in the fall.
LightDahlias thrive in full sunshine. The 'Hamari Sunshine' should be planted in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid heavily shaded spots as this can impede flower growth and increase the likelihood of disease. Morning sunlight is particularly beneficial as it dries dew from the leaves, which can help prevent some fungal diseases.
TemperatureDahlias like 'Hamari Sunshine' prefer warm conditions and are sensitive to cold. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures as low as the upper 50s Fahrenheit at night and can tolerate heat up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s crucial to plant dahlias after the danger of frost has passed, and they should be dug up and stored before the first frost in fall if you're in a region that experiences freezing temperatures.
PruningPrune Dahlias like 'Hamari Sunshine' to encourage bushier growth and more prolific blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done consistently throughout the blooming season. Cut back the stems to a pair of leaves to promote further flowering. Pruning is also necessary at the end of the flowering season, usually just before the first frost, when you cut the plant back before digging up the tubers for winter storage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' prefers a well-draining loamy soil mix, enriched with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. The ideal pH for Dahlias is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0, to ensure the best growth and flowering.
RepottingDahlias, including Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine', generally require repotting every year. They should be repotted after the last frost in spring once the soil is workable and warm.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' are not particularly humidity-sensitive but thrive in average outdoor humidity levels. They adapt well to the typical range found in gardens without needing special attention to humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Position Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' in full sun with nutrient-rich soil and good drainage.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' begins with a tuber planted in the spring after the last frost, with the eye or growth point facing upward. Once planted, the tuber sprouts and develops into a young plant, which gradually forms a sturdy stem and leaves. Throughout the summer, the Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' grows and eventually produces its characteristic large, vibrant yellow flowers, attracting pollinators to the garden. After blossoming, if the flowers are not deadheaded, they will produce seeds, but Dahlias are more commonly propagated via division of tubers. As temperatures cool and autumn approaches, the plant prepares for dormancy; the above-ground portion wilts and dies back while the tuber remains dormant underground during the winter months. With the return of warmer weather in the next growing season, the cycle begins anew as the tuber can be divided and replanted, producing more dahlias for the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Dahlia 'Hamari Sunshine' is through division of its tubers. This process is ideally done in spring, just as the plants begin to sprout and after any danger of frost has passed. Gardeners should carefully dig up the dahlia clumps and gently separate the tubers, making sure that each division has at least one eye or bud from which the new plant will grow. The cut surfaces are typically allowed to dry and callous over for a day before planting to prevent rot. Once calloused, the tuber sections are planted in well-draining soil, with the eyes positioned about 2 inches (about 5 centimeters) below the soil surface, and spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to provide adequate room for growth.
