Dahlia Dahlia 'Hillcrest Desire' (C)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Hillcrest Desire' is a captivating flower known for its distinctive coloration and full-bodied bloom. This variety of dahlia boasts an exuberant flower head featuring multiple layers of petals that create a lush, almost spherical form. The petals have a velvety texture and their color is a rich, intense pink with subtle hints of peach or coral, gradually transitioning to a lighter shade toward the edges. The blooms have a certain radiance that is further enhanced when sunlight kisses the petals, giving them a luminous quality. The plant itself has a sturdy stem that upholds the large flower heads with grace, and the foliage provides a contrasting backdrop with its deep green color. The leaves are typically medium-sized with a pointed oval shape and have a slightly serrated edge. Dahlia 'Hillcrest Desire' is a showstopper in any garden setting, providing a striking pop of color with its bold and beautiful blooms. The flowers are highly prized by gardeners and floral arrangers alike for their impressive appearance and the joyous mood they bring to any landscape or bouquet.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Georgina
Common names
Dahlia 'Hillcrest Desire' (C).
ToxicityTo 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.
CharacteristicsLife 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
Benefits
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 PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis 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.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not typically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe 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.
WaterDahlias require consistent moisture, and 'Hillcrest Desire' is no exception. Water the plant deeply once to twice a week, allowing the water to reach the roots without oversaturating the soil. During the active growing season, this often equates to about 1 to 2 gallons per watering session depending on weather conditions and soil type. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; it should be dry to the touch to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. During prolonged dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist.
LightDahlias thrive in full sun, and 'Hillcrest Desire' should be planted in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting in areas that are shaded for much of the day, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and weak growth. For the best display of flowers, choose a spot that offers morning sun and some protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun in hotter climates.
TemperatureDahlias prefer moderate temperature conditions and 'Hillcrest Desire' is happiest when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 75°F. Dahlias can tolerate a range from 50°F to 90°F, but blooming may be affected at the extremes. They will not survive frosting conditions and should be dug up and stored if temperatures regularly dip below 60°F during the winter months. The ideal nighttime temperature is above 60°F for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Dahlias like 'Hillcrest Desire' is vital for plant health and abundant blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the season. In early summer, pinch back the main stem to promote bushier growth and more stems, which leads to more flowers. After the first frost kills the foliage, cut the stems down to about 4 to 6 inches and dig up the tubers for storage if you live in a region where Dahlias are not winter hardy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for growing Dahlias is well-draining, fertile, and loamy with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Amend the native soil with compost and peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingDahlias typically do not need to be repotted as they are often grown as annuals; however, tubers should be lifted and stored each winter and replanted in the spring.
Humidity & MistingDahlias do best in moderate humidity conditions but are not particularly sensitive to humidity levels as long as they have good air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dahlia in a well-lit spot, ensuring it gets plenty of sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with rich soil and good drainage.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlias, including the 'Hillcrest Desire', generally follow a life cycle that begins with the planting of tubers in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. These tubers sprout and grow into bushy plants, producing lush foliage. By midsummer, 'Hillcrest Desire' dahlias begin to flower, showcasing their vibrant, colorful blooms which continue until the first frost. During the growing season, dahlias can be propagated by cuttings or division of the tubers. Once the first frost hits, the foliage dies back and the tubers enter a dormant phase for the winter; they are typically dug up, stored in a cool, frost-free place, and then replanted the next spring. This cycle repeats annually, with the tubers producing a new plant each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Dahlia 'Hillcrest Desire', commonly referred to simply as Dahlia, is best propagated through division, which involves separating the tuberous roots. This process is typically performed in the spring after the danger of frost has passed and just before new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of tubers, making sure not to damage them. Using a sharp, clean knife, divide the clump so that each section has at least one eye, which is a bud that will grow into a new stem. These individual tuber sections can then be planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. The divisions will develop into full plants that produce blooms identical to the parent plant.
