Dahlia Dahlia 'Hillcrest Desire' (C)

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae

• Synonyms

  Garden Dahlia, Georgina

• Common names

  Dahlia 'Hillcrest Desire' (C).

Toxicity

• To humans

  Dahlias are not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects expected if any part of a dahlia plant is ingested by humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can exist, and ingesting plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction in some individuals.

• To pets

  Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to pets. If a pet ingests parts of a dahlia plant, they are unlikely to experience serious poisoning. Nevertheless, consumption of any non-food plant material can potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in pets, depending on the amount consumed and the sensitivity of the individual animal.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  4 feet (1.22 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Plant type

  Bulb

• Hardiness zones

  8

• Native area

  Mexico

General Benefits

• Vibrant Blooms: Dahlia 'Hillcrest Desire' produces large, bright flowers that add a striking splash of color to any garden.
• Extended Flowering Season: Dahlias have a long flowering period from mid-summer to the first frost, providing continuous beauty.
• Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which are essential for a healthy garden ecosystem.
• Great for Cut Flowers: The sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make Dahlias ideal for cutting and enjoying in floral arrangements inside the home.
• Variable Sizes: Dahlias range in size from petite border plants to tall background plants, offering versatile options for garden design.
• Easy Propagation: They can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
• Diverse Forms: With a wide variety of flower shapes and sizes, Dahlias provide endless visual interest and appeal.
• Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Dahlias can be used to create stunning visual displays, whether planted in groups or as specimen plants.
• Seasonal Flexibility: As tuberous perennials, Dahlias can be lifted and stored during the winter, which is ideal in colder climates.
• Improves Soil Health: Like many flowering plants, Dahlias can help maintain and improve soil health through regular growth and decay cycles.

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

• Dahlia flowers like the 'Hillcrest Desire' can be used in food coloring to give a natural pink hue to cakes and pastries.
• The petals of Dahlias can be crystallized with sugar and used as edible decorations for desserts and cakes.
• Dahlia tubers are known to have been used historically as a source of inulin, which can be used as a low-calorie sweetening agent.
• In horticultural therapy, Dahlias are popular as they can be successfully grown by individuals with various skill levels, promoting mental wellbeing.
• As a teaching tool in botany, Dahlias, being hybrids with complex genetics, help in the study of inheritance and genetic variation.
• Dahlias can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting shades of yellow and orange when used with different mordants.
• The geometric arrangement of the Dahlia petals can serve as inspiration for artists and designers, with its perfect symmetry and bright colors.
• As part of a sensory garden, Dahlias' diverse textures and colors stimulate the senses and contribute to the therapeutic environment.
• The Dahlia's sturdy stems can be used creatively in crafting, such as making small natural stakes for supporting other plants.
• The large, vibrant flowers of Dahlias can be used as a natural backdrop or setting for photographing insects and small wildlife.

Feng Shui

The Dahlia is not typically used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Elegance and Dignity: With its striking and sophisticated blooms, the dahlia is often associated with elegance and dignity, symbolizing composure and a refined sense of style.
• Change and Diversity: Dahlias come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, symbolizing diversity and embracing change.
• Commitment and Bond: Because they have a relatively long blooming season, dahlias can represent commitment and a lasting bond between two people.
• Creative Expression: The wide variety of dahlias and their unique patterns can symbolize the diversity of human creativity and the inspiration it provides.
• Inner Strength: Despite their delicate appearance, dahlias are actually quite hardy, symbolizing the ability to stand gracefully under pressure and the strength to succeed despite challenges.