Dahlia Dahlia 'Honka Red' (SinO)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Honka Red' is a striking and unique plant known for its vivid, showy flowers. These blossoms are characterized by their star-like shape with petals that twist and curl playfully towards the sky. The color of the petals is a rich, velvety red, which is both intense and alluring. The center of each flower features a contrasting golden yellow disc, which adds to the visual appeal and draws in pollinators. The foliage of Dahlia 'Honka Red' provides a lush green backdrop to the vibrant red flowers. The leaves are typically pinnately divided with oval-shaped leaflets that have somewhat serrated edges. This dahlia variety has a robust and bushy appearance, creating a full and lively presence in gardens and landscapes. Overall, the appearance of Dahlia 'Honka Red' embodies a spirited and exotic aesthetic, making it a favorite among gardeners who wish to add a splash of dramatic color and unconventional floral structure to their outdoor spaces. The plant is appreciated for its decorative qualities and is often used in cut flower arrangements due to its striking appearance and long-lasting blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Honka Red Dahlia, Star Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Honka Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Honka Red', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is usually no risk of poisoning from ingesting dahlias, and they do not commonly cause adverse effects. However, individual sensitivities can vary, and some people might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they consume parts of the plant, but this is rare.
To pets
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Honka Red', are also generally considered non-toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of the plant is unlikely to cause poisoning. However, as with humans, individual animals may have sensitivities, and consuming plant material could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, though such reactions are not common.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlias are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to your garden.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: The 'Honka Red' variant offers unique red star-shaped flowers that can add visual interest and vibrant color to any garden space.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlias are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of soil types with adequate sunlight and water.
- Cutting Flower: Their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make Dahlias ideal for cutting and arranging in floral displays.
- Seasonal Interest: With a flowering season from midsummer to fall, Dahlias can provide color and beauty in the garden when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Variety of Uses: 'Honka Red' can be planted in borders, containers, or as accent plants, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Hybrid Vigor: Being a hybrid, 'Honka Red' may exhibit increased robustness, growth, and resistance to certain pests and diseases compared to some non-hybrid species.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The vivid red petals of the Dahlia can be used to produce a natural dye for textiles, delivering a spectrum of shades from soft pinks to deep reds depending on the intensity of the dye bath.
- Photography Subject: With its unique star-like petal arrangement and vibrant color, Dahlia 'Honka Red' is sought after by photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature in gardens and floral arrangements.
- Edible Flower Garnish: Although not commonly known for its edibility, the petals of Dahlia 'Honka Red' are edible and can be used to add color and a touch of novelty to sophisticated culinary presentations.
- Craft Supplies: Dried Dahlia petals can be incorporated into various crafts, including homemade paper making, pressed flower art, or natural confetti for special occasions.
- Floral Jewelry: The distinctive shape and color of Dahlia 'Honka Red' petals make them suitable for creating delicate floral jewelry pieces such as earrings, pendants, or hair accessories.
- Eco-Friendly Insect Deterrent: Some gardeners plant Dahlias around their vegetable patches as they are said to repel certain pests, although this use is more anecdotal than scientifically proven.
- Bio-Indicator Plant: Dahlias can serve as bio-indicators, showing signs of stress from environmental factors like pH imbalances in soil or the presence of pollutants, which can be useful for ecologically conscious gardeners.
- Companion Planting: 'Honka Red' may be used in companion planting strategies to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the overall health of a garden.
- Floristry Education: This particular variety of Dahlia is sometimes used for educational purposes in floristry courses, teaching students about the handling and care of unique flower forms.
- Colored Mulch: After their life cycle, decomposing Dahlia petals and leaves can contribute to a nutrient-rich, visually appealing colored mulch for garden beds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Uniqueness and Positive Change: The unusual shape of 'Honka Red' Dahlias, with their spiraling petals, signifies uniqueness and stands as a symbol of embracing positive change and distinctiveness.
- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias, with their lush blooms and diverse colors, are often associated with elegance, dignity, and a sense of accomplishment.
- Commitment and Bond that Lasts: As Dahlias can bloom for extended periods, they symbolize long-term commitment and a bond that withstands time.
- Creative Spirit: The vibrant and distinctive 'Honka Red' hue symbolizes a burst of creativity and the encouragement to follow one's artistic pursuits.
- Personal Growth: Just as the Dahlia grows back stronger each year, it is often seen as a symbol of personal growth and the ability to stand tall through life's challenges.
WaterDahlias require consistent moisture, so water your Honka Red dahlias deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. This may translate to approximately 0.5 to 1 gallons, depending on the size of the plant and soil conditions. Adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions, watering more frequently during dry, hot spells and less during cool, wet periods. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and that water penetrates deeply into the ground to encourage deep root growth.
LightHonka Red dahlias thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting your Honka Red dahlias would be an area with clear exposure to the sun for the majority of the day, preferably with some protection from intense afternoon heat in hotter climates.
TemperatureHonka Red dahlias prefer a moderate temperature range and perform best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to 50°F, but frost can damage the plants. Optimal growth occurs when night temperatures are above 60°F, and plants should be protected from extreme heat above 90°F.
PruningPrune Honka Red dahlias to encourage a bushier plant and more blooms. Pinch back the main shoot when the plant is about a foot tall to prompt side branching. As flowers fade, deadhead regularly to promote continuous flowering. The best time to prune or pinch is in late spring, just as the plant starts active growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer a well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Regular fertilization will benefit 'Honka Red' dahlia growth.
RepottingDahlias, including 'Honka Red', should be repotted once a year, usually in the spring after the last frost when you're planting them out.
Humidity & Misting'Honka Red' dahlias do well in average garden humidity conditions. They don't require high humidity and can thrive outdoors where humidity is natural.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place dahlias in bright, indirect light and monitor soil moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with good drainage and space for growth.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Dahlia 'Honka Red', also known as Star Dahlia, starts when tubers are planted in the spring after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed. These tubers sprout and grow into sturdy stems with lush foliage, which typically happens within a few weeks depending on the climate. During the summer, the distinctive red, star-shaped flowers begin to bloom, attracting pollinators and providing vibrant garden color. After the flowering period, which can last until the first autumn frost in many climates, the plant starts to wither, and the foliage turns yellow. At this stage, in regions with cold winters, the tubers are usually dug up, cleaned, and stored in a cool, frost-free place to overwinter. The cycle begins anew when these tubers are replanted in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Honka Red', also known simply as Dahlia, is through division of tubers. Dahlias are typically propagated in spring just before or as they begin to sprout new growth. The process involves carefully digging up the clumps of mature dahlia tubers after the foliage has died back post-frost and the tubers have been left in the ground for a couple of weeks to cure. The clumps are then gently broken apart, ensuring that each division has at least one eye or bud from which new growth can emerge. The divided tubers are usually dried for a day or two, and then stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. This method allows for the multiplication of true-to-type Dahlias, as each division is genetically identical to the parent plant.
