Dahlia Dahlia 'Hillcrest Candy' (S-c)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Hillcrest Candy' is a showy plant known for its vibrant, eye-catching flowers. The petals of 'Hillcrest Candy' exhibit an exquisite color palette, featuring a base of soft pink that gradually transitions to a deeper, hot pink at the tips. The flowers are full and rounded, creating a pompom-like effect that is typical of some Dahlia varieties. Each petal is neatly arranged in a slightly overlapping fashion, contributing to the flower's intricate appearance and dense form. The center of the flower is more compact and may sometimes appear slightly lighter in color, drawing attention to the heart of the bloom. The plant produces these stunning flowers atop strong, upright stems that are clothed in rich green foliage. The leaves are typically pinnate with pointed leaflets, which create an attractive backdrop for the brilliant flowers. The overall look of Dahlia 'Hillcrest Candy' is one of lush vibrancy, making it a standout addition to any garden display where it adds a burst of color and texture.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Hillcrest Candy Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Hillcrest Candy' (S-c).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the variety 'Hillcrest Candy', are not known to be toxic to humans. They are generally considered safe and non-toxic, so ingesting small quantities of dahlia plant parts is unlikely to result in poisoning or serious health consequences. However, it is not advisable to eat ornamental plants, as they are not meant for consumption and may have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
To pets
Dahlias are also considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. While ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the fiber content or as a result of a pet not being accustomed to eating non-food plants, serious toxicity or poisoning from dahlias is unlikely. However, it is always prudent to keep an eye on pets to ensure they do not consume large amounts of any plants, as this can lead to stomach discomfort or potential complications from pesticides.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Dahlias provide stunning blooms that are highly decorative, with a broad spectrum of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a favorite for garden enthusiasts and floral arrangers.
- Variety: Offering numerous varieties, Dahlias like 'Hillcrest Candy' showcase unique and striking flowers that can complement any garden design.
- Garden Ecology: Dahlia flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds, which are essential for pollinating many other plants in the garden.
- Plant Breeding: Dahlia enthusiasts often engage in breeding programs, using varieties like 'Hillcrest Candy' to create new, unique cultivars with desirable traits.
- Long Blooming Period: Dahlias have a long flowering season, from midsummer until the first frosts, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden.
- Easy Propagation: They can be propagated quite easily from cuttings, tubers, or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their collection without great expense.
- Community and Cultural Events: Dahlias are often featured in garden shows and competitions, fostering a sense of community and shared interest among gardeners.
- Cut Flowers: With their long vase life and vibrant colors, Dahlia blossoms like 'Hillcrest Candy' are perfect for cutting gardens and floral arrangements.
- Adaptability: Dahlias can adapt to a range of soil types and garden conditions, although they do best with good moisture and drainage.
- Soil Improvement: The root system of Dahlias can help break up dense soil over time, improving soil structure for other plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: Due to their striking and vibrant colors, Hillcrest Candy dahlias are popular subjects for photographers, especially those specializing in botanical and macro photography.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use the Hillcrest Candy dahlia as a source of inspiration for paintings, drawings, and various other forms of artwork due to their intricate petal structures and color palette.
- Educational tool: Horticulture teachers and educators can use the Hillcrest Candy dahlia to demonstrate hybridization and selective breeding practices in gardening sessions.
- Fashion accessories: Petals of the Hillcrest Candy dahlia can be used to create unique and naturalistic elements in fashion design, such as in hairpieces or as embellishments on clothing.
- Craft projects: The blooms and petals can be incorporated into craft projects, such as homemade greeting cards, scrapbooking, or decoupage, providing a floral touch.
- Culinary decoration: Although not for consumption, the vibrant colors of Hillcrest Candy dahlia petals can be used to decorate cakes and desserts for an elegant presentation.
- Natural dye: The petals of Hillcrest Candy dahlias could potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or artisanal crafts, offering a range of pinks and purples.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of Hillcrest Candy dahlias can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti in celebrations.
- Garden design: Use Hillcrest Candy dahlias in demonstrations or workshops about color theory in garden design, emphasizing how to pair and contrast colors effectively.
- Symbolic gifts: Due to their beauty and rarity, Hillcrest Candy dahlias can be symbolic gifts representing commitment and an everlasting bond in certain cultures.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: The intricate petals and striking appearance of the Dahlia 'Hillcrest Candy' are often associated with qualities of elegance and dignity, symbolizing a poised and graceful bearing.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are given as gifts to represent a lasting commitment and a bond that stands the test of time, making them appropriate for anniversaries and other significant relationship milestones.
- Change and Variety: Since dahlias come in a wide range of colors and forms, they can symbolize diversity, change, and variety in life, embracing new adventures and experiences.
- Creativity and Inspiration: The Dahlia 'Hillcrest Candy', with its vibrant colors and unique form, can be seen as a muse, sparking creativity and providing inspiration in artistic endeavors.
- Inner Strength: Reflecting the dahlia's ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, this flower is also symbolic of inner strength and the ability to withstand challenging circumstances.
WaterDahlias require consistent moisture, so water your Hillcrest Candy dahlias deeply whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This will generally amount to about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions such as heat and wind which increase the need for water. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases and ensure the water reaches the roots by using a soaker hose or drip irrigation. During peak summer months, you may need to water two to three times per week, especially if the weather is very hot or dry. Always reduce watering frequency as the weather cools down or if rainfall provides sufficient moisture.
LightHillcrest Candy dahlias thrive in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these flowers is one where they get ample morning sunlight, which is less intense, with some protection from the harsh afternoon sun. Avoid planting them in shaded areas, as too little sunlight can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.
TemperatureHillcrest Candy dahlias prefer a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F for ideal growth. They can survive short periods in temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 90°F. However, prolonged exposure outside of their preferred range can cause stress or damage to the plant. Dahlias are not frost-tolerant, so they should be protected or lifted from the ground if temperatures threaten to drop below 50°F.
PruningPruning Hillcrest Candy dahlias is important for plant health and vigorous blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Cut back the stems to a set of leaves to promote bushier growth and more flowers. After the first frost in autumn, prune the plant back to the ground if you live in a cold climate, or if in a milder climate, cut it back to about 4-6 inches to prepare for winter rest.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Hillcrest Candy', commonly just called dahlia, thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. The best soil mix for this plant includes equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. Adding compost or well-rotted manure will provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingDahlias, including the 'Hillcrest Candy' variety, generally don't need frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals. They are typically planted in the spring after the threat of frost has passed and lifted out of the soil before winter for storage. Repotting is done annually when tubers are replanted after the last frost in spring.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Hillcrest Candy' prefer outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated. They do not require a specific humidity level but will benefit from being in an environment that mimics their native habitat, which means moderate ambient humidity without excessive dampness that could lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide dahlias with bright light, good airflow, and pots with drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil after frost risk.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Hillcrest Candy' starts its life as a tuber planted after the threat of frost has passed, with a germination period that often lasts about one to two weeks. After germination, the plant enters a rapid vegetative growth phase, producing stems and leaves, and it requires consistent moisture, strong sunlight, and good soil to thrive. The vegetative stage continues until the plant reaches maturity and begins to bud, which generally happens in mid to late summer. Following the budding stage, Hillcrest Candy dahlias bloom, revealing their stunning pink and white bicolor flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowering stage can last until the first frost, at which point the plant begins to die back. To complete the cycle, tubers can be dug up, stored during the winter, and then replanted the following spring, after the final frost has passed.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Dahlia 'Hillcrest Candy' is through division. This technique is typically done in the spring, just when the new shoots are starting to emerge from the tuber. Gardeners should carefully dig up the dahlia tubers, ensuring not to damage the delicate shoots. Each clump of tubers should have at least one eye, or bud, from which the new plant will grow. The pieces are then cut apart with a sharp, clean knife, making sure that each piece has at least one eye. After the division, the cut surfaces can be treated with a fungicide to prevent rot. Finally, the newly divided tubers are planted about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, allowing sufficient space for the mature plant to develop.
