Dahlia Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal' (C)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal' is a stunning variety of Dahlia that boasts vibrant, eye-catching flowers. The blooms have a rich, royal purple color and a slightly iridescent sheen that makes them stand out in any garden setting. Each flower is made up of numerous petals that are densely packed together to form a full and rounded appearance, sometimes referred to as a pompom shape due to their intricate, spherical form. The petals tend to have slightly pointed tips and are arranged in a precise, geometric pattern that radiates from the center of the flower. This creates a mesmerizing effect that draws the eye and invites closer inspection. The color may seem to shift in different lighting conditions, sometimes appearing almost electric in its intensity. The foliage of the Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal' is deep green, providing a lush backdrop for the dazzling blooms. The leaves are typically ovate with pointed ends and serrated edges, creating a textural contrast to the smooth petals of the flowers. Though often grown as a garden ornamental, this Dahlia can also make a dramatic and luxurious addition to floral arrangements and bouquets, where its rich purple blooms can truly shine.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widely recognized toxicity associated with the Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal', and they are not known to cause serious harm if ingested. However, it is always prudent to avoid eating ornamental plants, as they are not intended for consumption and individual sensitivities or allergies may exist.
To pets
Dahlias are also considered non-toxic to pets. Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal', like other dahlias, should not pose a poisoning risk to dogs and cats if ingested. Nevertheless, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to their digestive system not being accustomed to processing plant material. If you notice any adverse symptoms after your pet has consumed part of a dahlia plant, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
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: Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal' is widely appreciated for its striking large blooms and vibrant purple color, making it a standout addition to any garden or floral arrangement.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Long blooming season: Dahlias generally offer flowers from midsummer until the first frosts, providing long-lasting color and interest.
- Various uses: This plant is suitable for use in borders, beds, and as cut flowers, allowing for versatility in garden design and indoor decoration.
- Easy to propagate: Dahlias can be easily propagated by division of the tubers, allowing gardeners to expand their collection and share with others.
- Improves garden soil: As a tuberous plant, Dahlias can help in breaking up the soil and improving its structure over time.
- Provides structure: Their sturdy stems and height (depending on the variety) can give structure and form to a flowering garden space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a vibrant range of colors from pink to purple depending on the concentration.
- The tubers of the Dahlia can be carved into eco-friendly biodegradable planting pots for seedlings, which can then be planted directly into the soil.
- With their bright colors, Dahlias are useful as a tool for teaching children about pollination and the role of insects in gardens.
- The stems of Dahlia plants, being hollow, can be used as natural straws in garden parties or eco-friendly events.
- Dahlia flowers make for an attractive edible garnish for salads and desserts, although they should be consumed in moderation due to potential allergic reactions.
- The sturdy stems of Dahlias can be used as supports for other plants in the garden, like tomatoes or climbing peas.
- Faded Dahlia flowers can be put into compost bins, where they add nutrients to the compost as they break down.
- The plant’s vivid flowers can serve as organic confetti for outdoor celebrations, decomposing naturally without harming the environment.
- Dahlia flowers can be pressed and used in botanical art projects or to create personal handmade greeting cards.
- The geometric pattern of Dahlia petals can inspire designs in quilting, fabric printing, or other arts and crafts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias, with their intricate petals and stunning display, are often associated with elegance and dignity, reflecting the gracefulness that they bring to gardens and arrangements.
- Commitment and Bond: Due to the flower’s diverse forms and enduring nature, dahlias can symbolize a lasting commitment or bond, making them popular in wedding bouquets or as gifts between partners.
- Change and Variety: With many different types and colors, dahlias represent diversity, change, and variety, encouraging embracement of different perspectives and experiences.
- Creative Expression: The unique patterns and vibrant colors of dahlias often signify creativity and inspiration, making them ideal for those looking to express themselves or seeking artistic muse.
- Inner Strength: Dahlia flowers bloom despite challenges and can thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing the inner strength required to succeed against adversity.
WaterDahlias require consistent moisture so the soil should be kept damp but not waterlogged. Water the 'Hillcrest Royal' Dahlia once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. During peak blooming season, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist. Cut back on watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall. It's best to water early in the day so that any water on the foliage can dry to minimize disease risk.
LightDahlias prefer full sunlight to bloom best, so place your 'Hillcrest Royal' Dahlia where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is acceptable, especially in hot climates where afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat. Avoid overly shaded areas as this can reduce blooming and cause leggy growth.
TemperatureDahlias thrive in moderate temperatures and 'Hillcrest Royal' is no exception. It grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F but can survive in temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 90°F. Protect Dahlias from frost by planting after the danger of frost has passed, and consider digging up the tubers in the fall to store them over the winter in colder climates.
PruningPruning Dahlias, like the 'Hillcrest Royal', encourages better growth and more blooms. Prune in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and throughout the blooming season to deadhead spent flowers. This will increase air circulation, reduce disease pressure, and promote continuous flowering. The best time for major pruning is early to mid-spring when you see new shoots emerging from the tubers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive best in well-draining soil mixed with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. A soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0 is ideal for Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal'. To improve drainage and encourage robust growth, consider adding perlite or sand to the soil mixture as well.
RepottingDahlias, like 'Hillcrest Royal', typically do not need to be repotted often since they are usually grown as annuals. They are planted as tubers each spring and removed from the soil after the first frost in fall.
Humidity & MistingDahlias, such as 'Hillcrest Royal', prefer moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate a range of humidity conditions but avoid excessively humid environments that may promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good air circulation, and pot in a large container.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil, and provide space for growth.
Hardiness zone
Generally, dahlias like 'Hillcrest Royal' fit within 8-11 USDA hardiness zones. However, they can be grown in cooler zones with proper winter care, such as lifting and storing tubers.
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal' begins with the germination of tubers in the spring, after the last frost, when the soil temperature reaches about 60°F. Sprouts emerge and mature into bushy plants with strong stems and deeply lobed leaves, requiring plenty of sunlight for optimal growth. Throughout the summer, the plant produces vibrant, large, and showy flowers, which can be harvested for arrangements or left on the plant for decorative purposes. After flowering, the plant should be deadheaded regularly to encourage continuous blooming until the first frost in the fall. Post-blooming, as temperatures drop, photosynthesis decreases and the plant starts to die back, signaling the time for tubers to be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place over winter if in a cold climate. In the next growing season, stored tubers are replanted, and the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal', commonly known as just Dahlia, is typically propagated through division of its tubers. This is often done in the spring when the plant is starting to grow new shoots. To propagate by division, the clump of the dahlia tubers is carefully dug up and any excess soil is gently cleaned off. This allows for the tubers to be seen more clearly and to avoid damaging them. The tuber clump is then carefully pulled apart or cut with a sharp, sterile knife to separate into smaller clumps, each with at least one eye, which is a growing point. These individual tuber clumps can then be replanted to produce new Dahlia plants. The cuts on the tubers should be allowed to dry for a day or two to form a callus over the wound before planting to prevent rot.
