Pompon Dahlia Dahlia 'Ivor's Rhonda' (Pom)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Ivor's Rhonda' (Pom) is a striking flowering plant with a vibrant and eye-catching appearance. The blooms are the most prominent feature, showcasing an intricate arrangement of petals. The flowers have a pompom shape, a delightful form that is reminiscent of a spherical arrangement of soft, curved petals that are evenly distributed around the flower head. The petals are tightly arranged, creating a full and lush look. The color of the 'Ivor's Rhonda' blooms is quite remarkable, tending towards rich shades that can range from deep purples to vibrant pinks, with the potential for gradients and variations in hue that add depth and interest to the overall appearance. The petals may have a subtle sheen that catches the light, enhancing their luxurious look. Foliage on this plant complements the blooms, with green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the spectacular flowers. The leaves are typically broad and have a healthy, vibrant green color that offsets the brilliance of the flowers, drawing the eye to the spectacular blooms. Overall, the Dahlia 'Ivor's Rhonda' (Pom) is a showy plant that makes a strong visual statement in any garden or floral display. Its unique pompom-shaped flowers, combined with the intense coloring and lush foliage, create an aesthetic that is both delightful and impressive.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Pompon Dahlia, Ball Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Ivor's Rhonda'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlia plants are generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Ivor's Rhonda' (Pom), typically does not result in poisoning or severe health consequences. However, it is possible for some individuals to have a mild allergic reaction or gastrointestinal upset if parts of the plant are ingested. Symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but these are not common and usually occur only if large quantities are consumed.
To pets
Dahlia plants, such as the Dahlia 'Ivor's Rhonda' (Pom), are considered non-toxic to pets as well. They are not listed among plants that pose a significant risk of poisoning to dogs, cats, or other household animals. If a pet were to ingest parts of a Dahlia plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, but serious toxicity is unlikely. As with any non-food plant, it's generally a good practice to prevent pets from eating Dahlias to avoid potential stomach upset.
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- Ornamental Value: Dahlias are prized for their vibrant blooms that add a splash of color to any garden.
- Variety of Uses: They can be used in borders, as cut flowers, or in landscape designs for visual interest.
- Continuous Blooming: Dahlias have a long flowering season, from midsummer to the first frosts of autumn.
- Attracts Pollinators: They attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, aiding in the pollination of other plants.
- Easy to Grow: With proper care, dahlias are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of climates.
- Soil Enhancement: When planted, dahlias help to break up the soil and improve its structure over time.
- Breeding Potential: Gardeners can breed different dahlia varieties to create unique colors and shapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dyes: The petals of dahlias can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, providing a spectrum of colors depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: Dahlias, with their vibrant colors and intricate petal structures, are popular subjects in macro photography and can be used to produce stunning floral photography collections.
- Edible Flowers: Dahlia petals are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish to add a burst of color to a variety of dishes.
- Teaching Tool: Dahlia's diverse range of colors and forms make it an excellent resource for teaching about plant genetics and hybridization.
- Floral Art: The distinctive shape and texture of dahlia flowers make them ideal for use in floral art and sculpture.
- Companion Planting: Dahlias can be used in gardens to attract pollinators, supporting the health and growth of nearby plants.
- Bioindicator: The presence and health of dahlias in a garden can act as an indicator of the ecological balance, reflecting the presence of certain nutrients or the absence of pollutants.
- Mood Enhancer: The bright and bold flowers of the dahlia can be used in horticultural therapy practices to improve mood and reduce stress in participants.
- Culinary Experiments: Innovative chefs may use the texture and flavor of dahlia tubers in dishes, as they are known to be edible and have a flavor reminiscent of water chestnuts.
- Seed Harvest: Dahlia seeds can be collected and used for gardening education programs, such as teaching children about the life cycle of plants and how to grow them from seed.
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 elegance and dignity due to their intricate petals and stunning appearance.
- Change and Variety: The wide variation in dahlia colors and forms can symbolize diversity and embracing change.
- Commitment and Bond: As dahlias are perennial plants that return year after year, they can symbolize a lasting commitment or bond.
- Creative Expression: The complex structure of a dahlia bloom is associated with uniqueness and a wild array of creative expression.
- Inner Strength: Dahlias stand out with their bold structures and can represent inner strength and resilience.
- Warning or Betrayal: In the Victorian language of flowers, dahlias sometimes carried a meaning of betrayal or a warning of impending change.
WaterPompon Dahlias, including the cultivar 'Ivor's Rhonda', should be watered deeply, with the goal of keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. These plants typically require watering two to three times a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions—more frequently in hot, dry weather, and less so when it's cooler or rainy. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 inch of water each week, which translates to about 0.6 gallons for a square foot. During peak summer months, you may need to increase this to 1.5 inches or 0.9 gallons per square foot weekly. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow foliage to dry, thus preventing fungal diseases.
LightPompon Dahlias, like 'Ivor's Rhonda', thrive in a location that receives full sun, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these plants is one that gets steady sunlight throughout the day, as consistent light exposure promotes lush growth and optimal blooming. Partial shade is tolerable, especially in the afternoon in particularly hot climates, to protect the blooms from heat stress.
TemperaturePompon Dahlias prefer warm and moderate temperatures, with ideal growing conditions ranging between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can survive in temperatures as low as the upper 40s Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost, which can damage or kill them. To ensure a healthy Pompon Dahlia, such as 'Ivor's Rhonda', avoid any sudden temperature drops and protect the plant if unexpected cold weather is forecasted.
PruningPompon Dahlias, such as 'Ivor's Rhonda', should be pruned to encourage a bushier plant with more blooms and to maintain its shape. Pruning is typically done by pinching or cutting back the tips of the main stem when the plant is about a foot tall. This practice can be repeated on the new growth a few weeks later. The best time for pruning dahlias is in the spring as new growth appears and again in early summer to stimulate additional flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix for 'Ivor's Rhonda' would consist of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingDahlias typically do not need to be repotted as they are grown from tubers each year. However, it is best to provide fresh soil and divide tubers every spring to promote vigorous growth.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer moderate humidity levels. They do well in typical outdoor environments where the humidity mimics their native climates without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and good airflow for indoor Dahlias.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with rich, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Dahlia 'Ivor's Rhonda' (Pom), commonly known as a Pompon Dahlia, starts as a tuber planted after the threat of frost has passed in spring. The tuber germinates in warm soil, sprouting stems and leaves, and enters a vegetative growth phase. As it matures, the plant develops a sturdy stem and dense foliage. Throughout the summer, it transitions to the flowering stage, producing numerous spherical, pompon-like blooms which can be deadheaded to encourage further flowering. As temperatures cool and daylight decreases in autumn, the Dahlia ceases blooming and begins to die back, at which point the tubers can be lifted and stored in a cool, frost-free place over winter. The following spring, the stored tubers are replanted, thus completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
For Dahlia 'Ivor's Rhonda' (Pom), the most popular method of propagation is by dividing tubers. This is best done in the spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge from the tubers. Carefully lift the parent plant from the soil and clear away any excess dirt to reveal the tuber clump. The clumps can be divided by cutting between the tubers, ensuring that each division has at least one eye, which is a small bump or bud from which the new dahlia will grow. The divisions can then be planted in well-draining soil, with the eyes sitting just at or slightly below the soil surface, and spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. It's important to water the tubers in well after planting, but then wait until the new growth is visible before watering regularly.
