Dahlia Dahlia 'Honka' (SinO)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Honka' is recognized for its unique and striking appearance that differs from the more traditional forms of dahlias. It bears star-shaped flowers with a distinctive arrangement of petals that are recurved, giving the blooms an almost tubular appearance. Each flower typically has eight elongated petals that twist and curl at the edges. The petals are usually vibrant yellow, sometimes with a hint of red or orange towards the base, creating a warm, inviting display. The centers of the blooms are prominent, featuring a contrasting color, often a darker shade, which adds depth and beauty to the flower's overall look. The foliage of Dahlia 'Honka' is lush and green, with leaves that are divided into smaller leaflets displaying a jagged or serrated edge. The plant has a sturdy stem structure that supports the blooms well, allowing them to stand out elegantly against the foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Honka Dahlia, Orchid Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Honka'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the variety Dahlia 'Honka', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. While they are not edible and not meant for consumption, ingesting parts of the plant typically does not result in serious poisoning or life-threatening symptoms. However, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or diarrhea, if parts of the plant are ingested in large quantities or if the individual has a particular sensitivity to the plant.
To pets
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Honka', are not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet were to ingest parts of this plant, it is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption in significant amounts could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, characterized by symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to keep an eye on your pet and prevent them from eating plants that are not part of their normal diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Dahlia 'Honka' offers striking star-shaped flowers that enhance garden aesthetics with their unique form and vivid colors.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlia 'Honka' has a lengthy flowering period from mid-summer to the first frost, providing continuous garden interest.
- Great for Cut Flowers: The distinctive flowers are excellent for cut flower arrangements, with long stems and good vase life.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for borders, container gardening, and as a focal point in floral gardens.
- Easy Propagation: Tubers can be divided to propagate new plants, making it easy to expand your garden or share with others.
- Color Variety: Comes in a range of colors, allowing for diverse design and color schemes in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia 'Honka' petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from yellow to orange hues depending on the mordant used.
- The hollow stems of dahlias can serve as natural straws or piping in small-scale garden irrigation systems.
- Dried dahlia tubers can be ground into a starchy flour substitute for gluten-free recipes.
- The sturdy stems of dahlias can be woven into baskets or other forms of natural craft, providing a unique texture and appearance.
- Dahlia blooms are ideal for freeze drying and use in potpourri as they retain much of their color and shape.
- The flowers can be used in the creation of biodegradable confetti, which is eco-friendly and adds a colorful touch to celebrations.
- When mixed with other plant materials, decomposing dahlia flowers and plants can be composted to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for gardens.
- With their bright and elaborate flowers, dahlias can be pressed and included in stationary or bookmark designs for an artistic flair.
- Children can use the safe, non-toxic flowers of dahlias for educational crafts, such as learning about plant parts or creating natural art projects.
- Fallen dahlia petals can serve as a natural mulch, which will decompose and enrich the soil around the plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias often represent grace under pressure, as they stand tall and bloom beautifully even in challenging conditions.
- Creativity: The unique and distinct form of the Dahlia 'Honka' inspires people to embrace their creative thinking and originality.
- Change and Transition: As dahlias bloom in a variety of shapes and colors, they symbolize the diversity and variety in life, as well as the idea of constant change and transition.
- Commitment and Bond: Given as gifts, dahlias can symbolize a lasting commitment and a strong bond between two people.
- Inner Strength: The robust nature of the dahlia, which allows it to thrive in different climates, represents inner strength and the ability to withstand challenges.
WaterStar Dahlias, including the 'Honka' variety, require consistent moisture, especially during the growth period. Water these dahlias deeply once or twice a week, providing at least 1 to 2 gallons per plant each time, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, watering frequency should increase to avoid stress. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which helps prevent disease. In the absence of rainfall, ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
LightStar Dahlias thrive best in a location with full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. When planting your 'Honka' Dahlias, choose a spot that is sheltered from strong winds but gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day to ensure vigorous growth and maximum blooming potential.
TemperatureStar Dahlias prefer temperatures ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate conditions as low as 50 degrees and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. To ensure optimal growth and flowering, protect the 'Honka' Dahlias from extreme temperature fluctuations and frost. Ideal growth occurs when nighttime temperatures are cooler than daytime temperatures within the stated range.
PruningTo encourage bushier growth and more blooms, prune your Star Dahlias by pinching off the tips of the main shoot when the plant is about a foot tall. Prune 'Honka' Dahlias by removing spent flowers regularly, which is called deadheading, to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. After the first frost in the fall, cut the plants back to a few inches above the soil line.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good mix should consist of peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, and compost to provide nutrients. Adding some sand can also improve drainage, crucial for avoiding tuber rot.
RepottingDahlias typically don't need to be repotted often as they are usually grown as annuals. If grown from tubers, they should be planted fresh each spring after the last frost date.
Humidity & MistingDahlias thrive best in environments with moderate humidity levels. They do not have specific humidity requirements but should not be in overly humid conditions as this can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dahlia 'Honka' in a bright, sunny spot indoors with adequate air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location after last frost.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Honka' begins its life as a tuber, which sprouts in the spring when soil temperatures rise. The plant then grows stems and leaves, reaching for sunlight and starting photosynthesis. Throughout the summer, it produces distinctive star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators and may be deadheaded to encourage further blooming. As autumn approaches and temperatures drop, the above-ground parts of the plant start to yellow and die back, signaling the end of its active growth period. The tubers can be left in the ground in warmer climates or dug up and stored in a cool, frost-free place over winter. In the following spring, these tubers can be replanted, thus completing the cycle and starting again with new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Honka' is through division of tubers, which should ideally be done in spring when the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 degrees Celsius). Begin by carefully lifting the clumps of tubers from the ground, trying not to damage them. Clean off the soil and divide the clump by cutting between the tubers, ensuring that each division has at least one eye or growth point. The divisions can then be replanted immediately, setting them about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep. Once planted, water them well to settle the soil around the tubers and initiate growth.
