Dahlia Dahlia 'Ice Cream Beauty' (WL)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Ice Cream Beauty' is a stunning ornamental plant known for its exquisite and unique flowers. The blooms of this cultivar are particularly eye-catching, featuring a blend of soft, pastel colors that can include shades of creamy white, pale yellow, and delicate pink. The petals are arranged in a dense, full formation that resembles a peony or an old-fashioned rose, giving the flower a lush, luxuriant appearance. Each flowerhead is composed of numerous individual petals that are layered in a spiral pattern, starting from the outer edges and tightly curling towards the center, creating a sense of depth and volume. The outer petals tend to be broader and more open, with the inner petals becoming progressively narrower and more curled as they approach the heart of the bloom. The overall shape of 'Ice Cream Beauty' flowers can be described as globular, with a round and almost ball-like appearance that sits atop sturdy stems. These stems are laden with rich green foliage that sets off the flowers' pastel tones, with the leaves being medium to dark green with a typical Dahlia serration pattern along their edges. With its striking blooms and lovely pastel coloration, Dahlia 'Ice Cream Beauty' serves as a beautiful focal point in any garden setting or as a sophisticated addition to floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Ice Cream Beauty Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Ice Cream Beauty' (WL).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the 'Ice Cream Beauty', are not considered toxic to humans. There are no reported serious effects from ingesting dahlias. If any part of the plant is accidentally ingested, it is not expected to cause poisoning or serious symptoms. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption, and some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction if they have specific sensitivities.
To pets
Dahlias, such as the 'Ice Cream Beauty', are generally not considered toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of the plant is not likely to result in serious poisoning for animals such as cats and dogs. While dahlias are not listed as poisonous, it is possible for pets to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume a large amount of the plant, as with any non-food item. Signs might include vomiting or diarrhea, but severe toxicity is not expected. As with humans, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting ornamental plants to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-5 feet (120-150 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8-10
Native area
Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Dahlia 'Ice Cream Beauty' features visually striking blooms that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for use in borders, beds, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides late summer to fall interest when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlias are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Diverse Forms: Offers a variety of flower shapes and sizes, which can complement different garden designs.
- Colorful Displays: Comes in a range of colors, providing options for garden color schemes and themes.
- Bulb Sharing: Tubers can be divided and shared, allowing gardeners to propagate more plants economically.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia 'Ice Cream' can be used in photography and art projects for its unique and striking appearance, providing a beautiful subject for still life compositions.
- In crafting, the petals of the Dahlia 'Ice Cream' can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, giving a soft color derived from the plant's own pigments.
- These flowers can be incorporated into fashion design, where their petals can be used to create floral patterns on clothing or accessories.
- Dahlia 'Ice Cream' can serve as a natural pest repellent in gardens due to its strong scent, which some pests may find unattractive.
- The plant can be used in educational settings as a tool to teach botany and horticulture, highlighting its growth requirements and characteristics.
- They can be utilized in culinary arts as an edible decoration for desserts and other dishes, provided they are free from any pesticides or harmful chemicals.
- Dahlia 'Ice Cream' can be used in landscaping to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting the local ecosystem.
- The blooms can be used to create biodegradable confetti for events like weddings or parties, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional confetti.
- As a subject for time-lapse photography, the blooming process of Dahlia 'Ice Cream' can be captured, showcasing the beauty of its development.
- The plant's stems can be used in basket-weaving or as natural decor elements in rustic or bohemian-themed designs.
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: The Dahlia 'Ice Cream Beauty' symbolizes sophistication and grace due to its intricate petal structure and creamy color palette.
- Creativity: Dahlias generally stand for creativity and uniqueness, which is highlighted in this variety's distinctive form and captivating appearance.
- Dignity: The upright growth and poised blooms of the Dahlia 'Ice Cream Beauty' are often associated with dignity and composure.
- Change and Variety: With Dahlias coming in many forms and colors, they exemplify diversity, change, and a variety of experiences in life.
- Commitment and Bond: Due to the flower's strong stems and long-lasting blooms, it can signify a lasting commitment or a strong lifelong bond.
- Warning or Betrayal: In some cultures, Dahlias can also hold a negative symbolism, indicating a warning or reminder of betrayal, but this is less common for the 'Ice Cream Beauty' variety.
WaterDahlias, including 'Ice Cream Beauty', should be watered deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. This ensures the water reaches the roots, encouraging strong growth. In hotter climates or during particularly dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; it should be dry to the touch. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow leaves to dry out, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightDahlias, including 'Ice Cream Beauty', require full sun to flourish, so place them where they’ll receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid overly shady spots as this can lead to poor blooming and weak growth. The best spot is an area with direct sunlight during the morning and some protection during the harshest afternoon light, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureDahlias, like 'Ice Cream Beauty', thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive within the broader range of 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They cannot tolerate frost; cold temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can damage or kill the plant. Ideally, keep your dahlia in conditions that avoid the extremes, ensuring consistent flowering and plant health.
PruningPruning dahlias, including 'Ice Cream Beauty', is essential for plant health and vigorous blooming. Pinch out the growing tips once the plant reaches about 16 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Remove spent blooms regularly to promote continued blooming. The best time to prune is throughout the growing season as needed to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Ice Cream Beauty' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good mix can be made of equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. Fertilize regularly for optimal growth.
RepottingDahlias should be repotted annually, typically in the spring after the last frost date, to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer moderate humidity and do not require any special humidity conditions; however, they should be shielded from excessively humid environments to prevent rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light; keep soil moist but not soggy.
Outdoor
Full sun, sheltered from wind, with rich, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Dahlia 'Ice Cream Beauty', more commonly known as the Ice Cream Beauty dahlia, starts its life cycle when a tuber is planted in the ground after the last frost of spring. The tuber sprouts and a small shoot emerges from the soil, developing into a bushy plant with sturdy stems and lush foliage. Throughout the growing season, the plant undergoes vegetative growth followed by the budding stage, where flower buds form at the tips of the stems. These buds blossom into the plant’s characteristic large, showy flowers, which can be a range of colors depending on the variety, and in this case, typically a creamy white. After flowering, the plant continues to grow until the first frosts of autumn, when it begins to die back. Post-frost, the tubers can be dug up, cleaned, and stored in a cool, dry place over winter to be replanted the following spring, thus completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia 'Ice Cream Beauty,' also known simply as Dahlia, is best propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this plant. This propagation technique is typically done in the spring, just before the growing season begins, when the soil is workable and the danger of frost has passed. To propagate by division, first carefully lift the tuber clumps from the ground after the foliage has died back. Using a sharp knife or spade, cleanly cut the clump into sections making sure each division has at least one eye, which is a growth point. Divisions should then be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep and spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil with good exposure to sunlight. This method allows gardeners to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent and often result in a garden full of blooms in the same year of propagation.
