Dahlia Dahlia Happy Days Pink = 'Hdpi117' (PBR) (Sin)
ABOUT
The Dahlia Happy Days Pink is a flowering plant admired for its vibrant and eye-catching blooms. The flowers of this plant feature a beautiful blend of pink shades that create a cheerful display. Each flower has a layered look, with multiple rows of petals that add to its fullness and depth. The petals are neatly arranged in a regular pattern, transitioning from a softer pink at the edges to a more intense pink toward the center, sometimes with touches of yellow at the very heart where the flower meets the stem. The foliage of the Dahlia Happy Days Pink is complementary to its florals, with lush green leaves that provide a rich backdrop for the bright pink flowers. These leaves are typically shaped with a slight point at the tip and have a wholesome, robust appearance. The contrast between the dark green of the leaves and the pink petals makes the blossoms really stand out. Additionally, the plant has a sturdy and upright stance, with stems that hold the flowers aloft so they can be easily admired. The blossoms are prominently displayed and tend to be at the top of the stems, giving them a prominent and showy position that can attract attention in any garden setting. The overall appearance of the Dahlia Happy Days Pink is one of joy and exuberance, making it a popular choice among gardeners looking to add a splash of color and happiness to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Dahlia Happy Days Pink.
Common names
Dahlia 'Hdpi117'
- Toxicity
To humans
Dahlias are not known to be toxic to humans. Dahlia Happy Days Pink is a variety of dahlia, and like other members of its species, it is considered non-toxic. Therefore, ingestion of this dahlia typically should not cause any harmful effects or symptoms of poisoning to humans.
To pets
Dahlias, including the Dahlia Happy Days Pink, are considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There is no recognized toxicity associated with dahlias, and ingestion of this plant should not result in symptoms of poisoning or significant negative consequences for pets. However, it is always recommended to keep an eye on pets to ensure they do not consume plants in excess, as this can cause gastrointestinal upset simply due to the ingestion of non-food items.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Blooms: Dahlia 'Hdpi117' produces vibrant pink flowers that add a pop of color to any garden or landscape.
- Extended Flowering Season: This cultivar typically has a long blooming period, providing visual interest from summer to fall.
- Pollinator Friendly: Dahlias are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlia 'Hdpi117' is relatively easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cut Flower Use: The striking flowers are excellent for creating bouquets and floral arrangements, with a good vase life.
- Container Gardening: This variety is suitable for growing in pots, making it an option for those with limited garden space.
- Diversity of Design: The plant's aesthetic allows for versatile use in various garden styles, from formal to cottage gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Dahlia 'Hdpi117' generally requires minimal upkeep beyond regular watering and occasional feeding.
- Resilience to Pests: While not immune, dahlias can be relatively resistant to certain types of pests when properly cared for.
- Propagatable: Gardeners can propagate dahlias from cuttings or tubers, providing an economical way to expand their collection.
- 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
- Dyes: Dahlias can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, with varying colors depending on the part of the plant used.
- Culinary garnish: The vibrant petals of the Dahlia can be used to add a splash of color to salads or as an elegant garnish on desserts.
- Photography: Dahlias, with their intricate petals and bright colors, are popular subjects in botanical and macro photography.
- Educational tools: These flowers can be used in schools to teach students about plant biology, hybridization, and pollination processes.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use Dahlias as muses, drawing inspiration from their forms and colors for paintings, illustrations, and fashion designs.
- Floral art: The structure of Dahlias lend themselves to elaborate floral art pieces and installations, particularly in competitive floristry.
- Bookmark crafting: Pressed Dahlia petals and leaves can be used to create artistic and natural bookmarks.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried Dahlia petals serve as biodegradable confetti for weddings and celebrations, reducing plastic waste.
- Crafting natural potpourri: Dried Dahlias can be included in homemade potpourri mixes for a pop of color and a mild, pleasant fragrance.
- Seasonal decorations: Dahlias can be incorporated into fall and summer decorations, such as wreaths and centerpieces, due to their rich hues and full blooms.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Dahlias are not traditionally associated with Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Dahlias are not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Elegance and Dignity - Dahlias exude a sophisticated charm which often represents grace under pressure or handling situations with dignity.
- Commitment and Bond - As dahlias are perennial plants, they symbolize a lasting bond or commitment between two people, often used in flower arrangements to denote a long-lasting relationship.
- Diversity and Uniqueness - With the vast array of colors and forms, dahlias embody the idea of diversity and embracing one’s uniqueness.
- Change and Transformation - As the dahlia flowers from early summer until late autumn, they are often associated with inner strength and positive change.
- Warning and Betrayal - In Victorian times, dahlias sometimes carried a message of caution or were related to sentiments of betrayal, likely because of their complexity and myriad appearances.
- Water
Dahlias require consistent moisture, so water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, watering your Happy Days Pink Dahlia with about 1 to 2 inches of water once a week should be sufficient, but this may need to increase to twice a week during very hot, dry periods. Use a watering can or hose to water at the base of the plant, aiming to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Depending on your climate and weather, you may need to adjust the quantity, but ensure you're providing deep watering to encourage strong root growth.
- Light
Dahlias thrive in full sun, so the Happy Days Pink Dahlia should be planted in a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. When selecting a spot, avoid areas that are shaded by buildings, trees, or other garden structures, especially during the peak sunlight hours to ensure the dahlia has the light it needs for optimal growth and flowering.
- Temperature
The Happy Days Pink Dahlia performs best in temperatures that are consistently between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can endure short periods with temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but freezing temperatures below 32 degrees can cause significant damage or kill the plant. During the growing season, it's important to ensure the temperatures remain consistently within this range for the best growth and bloom production.
- Pruning
Pruning your Happy Days Pink Dahlia is essential for encouraging bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tips of young plants to promote branching, and deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering. The best time for major pruning, including cutting back dead stems, is in the fall after the first frost or in the spring as new shoots appear.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Dahlias require well-drained fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, typically between 6.5 and 7.0. The best soil mix includes organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure, peat moss, and sharp sand to improve drainage. A balanced slow-release fertilizer can be incorporated to provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Dahlia Happy Days Pink should be repotted every year. They are often grown as annuals, so repotting occurs when tubers are planted out in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. It's important to provide fresh, fertile soil each season to support their vigorous growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Dahlias thrive in moderate humidity conditions. While specific humidity levels aren't critical for Dahlias, avoiding excessively high humidity is important to prevent fungal diseases. Adequate spacing between plants can help ensure good air circulation and reduce humidity-related problems.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Grow Dahlias indoors with bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate water.
Outdoor
Plant Dahlias in full sun, rich soil, after frost, and space 12-18" apart.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
- Life cycle
Dahlia 'Happy Days Pink' begins its life cycle as a tuber, which is planted in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed. The tuber sprouts and forms a stem, leaves, and a root system, entering the vegetative growth stage. During this phase, it develops lush foliage and prepares for blooming. The flowering stage follows, where numerous pink blossoms form, usually starting in midsummer and continuing until the first frosts of autumn. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence in late autumn where the above-ground growth dies back, and the plant focuses energy on the tuber to survive the winter. Come spring, the cycle restarts as the tuber breaks dormancy, sprouting new growth to begin the sequence again.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia Happy Days Pink can be effectively propagated through division, which is its most popular method. Division typically takes place in the spring before new growth begins. Gardeners can dig up the tubers, which have been overwintered in a cool, frost-free place, and carefully separate them ensuring that each division has at least one eye, or growth point. These individual tubers can then be planted directly into the soil, about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) deep, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow for ample growing space. This method of clonal propagation ensures new plants are true to the parent's characteristics and it's also a useful way to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become too dense or less vigorous over time.