Dahlia Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter' (D)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter' is a striking flowering plant that boasts vibrant, eye-catching blooms. The flowers of this Dahlia are the focal point, with their full, lush appearance characterized by layers of petals. These petals typically display a gradation of color, often a blend of warm hues that may include pinks, oranges, and yellows, giving a radiant sunset-like effect that adds depth and dimension to the flower's appearance. The blooms themselves are large and conspicuous, drawing the eye with their impressive form. The petals are arranged in a near-symmetrical pattern radiating from the center of the flower, creating a pleasing aesthetic that is often found in Dahlia varieties. As for the foliage, it provides a lush, green backdrop to the flamboyant flowers. The leaves are typically broad and have a somewhat ovate shape, with a texture that may appear slightly serrated or wavy at the edges. The overall form of the 'Jeanette Carter' Dahlia is bushy and substantial, making it a plant that can hold its own in a garden display. It is part of a group of plants that are greatly admired for their decorative qualities and ability to add a splash of color to any planting scheme. The blooms are not only a delight for garden visitors but are also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the plant's garden value.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Dahlia, Georgina.
Common names
Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of serious adverse effects from ingesting dahlias, which includes the variety Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter'. As with any non-food plant, ingestion may cause mild stomach upset, but significant toxicity is not expected.
To pets
Dahlias, including Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter', are not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While they are not known to be poisonous, it's always possible that individual animals might have a sensitivity or allergic reaction. Ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, but there are no reports of serious poisoning.
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- Attracts Pollinators: The Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter' can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: With its vibrant and colorful blooms, it can significantly improve the visual appeal of a garden or landscape.
- Versatile Planting Options: Suitable for borders, cutting gardens, or as a specimen plant, this dahlia offers flexibility in garden design.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias typically have a lengthy blooming season, providing consistent color from summer to the first frost.
- Provides Cut Flowers: The blooms of Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter' make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements with a long vase life.
- Supports Biodiversity: Its flowers offer nectar and habitat, supporting biodiversity within the garden ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlias are generally easy to cultivate, which makes them suitable for gardeners of all levels of experience.
- Variety of Uses: Their impressive blooms make them ideal for show gardens, competitions, and decorative purposes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Crafts: Dahlia petals can be used for creating eco-friendly dyes for fabrics, offering a range of vibrant colors for textile artists.
- Food Decoration: Since Dahlia flowers are edible, the petals of the 'Jeanette Carter' can be used to add a splash of color to salads or as elegant garnishes on desserts.
- Photography Projects: With their stunning form, Dahlias can serve as an excellent subject for photographers, especially macro photography enthusiasts.
- Botanical Illustration: The distinctive appearance of the Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter' provides a wonderful opportunity for botanical artists to hone their drawing and painting skills.
- Educational Tool: Utilized in horticultural programs, Dahlias can help students learn about plant breeding, hybridization, and genetics due to their diverse range of colors and forms.
- Event Theming: Dahlias can be part of event decorations, with the 'Jeanette Carter' variety specifically setting a unique and colorful theme for special occasions.
- Bee and Butterfly Gardens: The blooms can attract and support pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are critical for the health of ecosystems.
- Fragrance Collection: Though Dahlias are not known for a strong scent, they can sometimes contribute to the subtle fragrance profile in floral arrangements or bouquets.
- Compost Enrichment: After bloom, Dahlia plants can be composted to contribute to a nutrient-rich compost for garden use.
- Seasonal Focal Point: The Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter' can act as a seasonal focal point in garden design, especially in late summer to fall when they are in full bloom.
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: The dahlia's sophisticated bloom represents poise and self-respect.
- Change and Variety: With its myriad forms and colors, dahlias symbolize the rich tapestry of life and embracing new experiences.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are often associated with long-lasting unions and enduring relationships.
- Creative Expression: Artistic patterns of dahlia petals are reflective of individuality and creative spirit.
- Inner Strength: Dahlias bloom from a tuber, which can survive through the winter to bloom again, symbolizing resilience and inner strength.
WaterDahlias, including 'Jeanette Carter', need a consistent watering routine, particularly during the growing season. Water them once or twice a week, providing deep irrigation to encourage strong root development. Aim for 1-2 gallons per plant at each watering session, depending on weather conditions such as heat and wind which can dry out the soil more quickly. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During periods of high rainfall, reduce additional watering to prevent over-saturation of the soil.
LightDahlias, like 'Jeanette Carter', thrive in full sunlight exposures. They ideally require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these plants is in an area where they can enjoy morning sunlight and some protection from the intense afternoon sun, although they can still perform well in areas with strong sun all day if properly cared for and watered.
TemperatureDahlias, including 'Jeanette Carter', prefer warm and temperate climates. They perform best in temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F. While Dahlias can survive temperatures as low as the upper 40s°F, they should be protected or brought indoors if frost is expected since it can cause significant damage to the plants.
PruningPruning Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter' encourages more blooms and a bushier growth habit. Deadheading, or removing spent flower heads, should be done regularly to promote continuous flowering. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring, where you can cut back the previous year's growth to about 4 inches to revitalize the plant for the upcoming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in a rich, well-draining soil mix. A good recipe for Dahlia 'Jeanette Carter' includes a blend of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite in equal parts. To promote healthy growth, the soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5 to 7.0.
RepottingDahlias, like 'Jeanette Carter', don't need frequent repotting and do well if repotted every 2 to 3 years. It's best to repot when they show signs of becoming root-bound or just before a new growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingDahlias, including 'Jeanette Carter', prefer moderate humidity levels. The best humidity level is around 40-60%, which mimics their natural growing conditions and promotes healthy growth without encouraging mold or rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sunlight and monitor soil moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich the soil, and ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlias, including 'Jeanette Carter', begin their life cycle as tubers planted after the last frost of spring. These tubers sprout and grow into bushy plants, developing sturdy stems and leaves. Throughout the summer months, the dahlia plant continues to grow and eventually produces buds. These buds bloom into the characteristic vibrant flowers of the dahlia 'Jeanette Carter', which will continue to flower until the first frost of fall. After blooming, if not deadheaded, these flowers will eventually wither and the plant will prepare for dormancy. At the onset of winter, the foliage dies back and the tubers can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place to overwinter, before being replanted the following spring to restart the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Dahlias, including the 'Jeanette Carter' variety, are commonly propagated through division of their tubers, which is best carried out in the spring just before the new growth begins. This process involves carefully digging up the clump of tubers from the ground and gently washing off any soil to reveal the natural divisions. Once the individual tubers with at least one eye are identified, they can be cut apart using a clean, sharp tool. Each tuber section should have a piece of the original stem attached from the previous season’s growth to ensure it has the potential to sprout effectively. The cut surfaces should be allowed to dry and callous over for a day or two to reduce the risk of rot when planted. Tubers are then planted in well-draining soil, with the eye facing upwards, at a depth of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) and spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart, depending on the size of the variety.
