Dahlia Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson' (Ba)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson' is a visually striking plant known for its vibrant and sizable blossoms. The flowers of this dahlia variety exhibit a stunning color palette, often showcasing shades of deep pink and purple that blend together in a gradient-like fashion. The petals are arranged in a neat and orderly fashion that radiates outward from the center, creating a full and lush appearance. Each petal is elongated and may have slightly pointed tips, which add texture and dimension to the flower head. The blooms are structured, featuring a layered or ruffled look, which is characteristic of dahlias, and they can be quite substantial in terms of their overall impact in a garden or as cut flowers. The plant itself typically possesses sturdy stems that support the weight of the flowers and allows them to stand out prominently against the foliage. The leaves are often green, with a shape that can range from ovate to slightly elongated, providing a lush backdrop for the dramatic flowers. Throughout its blooming period, the Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson' becomes a focal point of any garden setting, attracting attention with its bold colors and substantial flower size. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from full sun exposure, which encourages vigorous growth and an impressive floral display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson' (Ba)
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson', more commonly known just as Dahlia, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects known to be associated with this plant, and it is generally recognized as safe to handle and have in gardens where humans are present. Ingesting any part of a dahlia is unlikely to cause anything more than a mild stomach upset. However, individuals with specific sensitivities may experience different reactions, so it is always wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plant material unless it is known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson', commonly known as Dahlia, is considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists dahlias as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. This means that ingestion of dahlia plants typically does not lead to poisoning or serious illness in pets. However, consumption of plant material can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, which might lead to symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant and exhibits these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Colorful Blooms: Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson' offers large, vibrant flowers that can add a pop of color to any garden or floral arrangement.
- Long Flowering Season: Dahlias generally bloom from mid-summer to frost, providing a long-lasting display of beauty.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, thus benefiting the ecosystem.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers due to their sturdy stems and attractive blooms.
- Improves Garden Aesthetics: Dahlias can create contrasts of form and color, enhancing the visual appeal of garden spaces.
- Rewarding Hobby: Growing dahlias like 'Jodie Wilkinson' can be a fulfilling hobby for gardening enthusiasts, providing both physical and mental benefits.
- Easy Propagation: Dahlias can be easily propagated through division or cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Customizable Growth: By pinching or disbudding, gardeners can influence the size and quantity of the blooms to fit their preference.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The deep pigmentation of Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson' petals can be used to produce a range of vibrant natural dyes for textiles.
- In plant-based inks: The pigments extracted from Dahlias can be used to create eco-friendly, non-toxic inks for art and printing purposes.
- As a plant marker: The distinctive flowers of the Dahlia can be used in gardens to mark different sections of crops or as a natural indicator of a garden's boundary.
- For educational purposes: Dahlias, being easy to grow and having diverse forms, can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology and horticulture.
- In photography: Their striking appearance makes Dahlias a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the diversity and beauty of flowers.
- As a natural pesticide: Dahlia foliage may repel certain insect pests, making them useful companion plants in an organic gardening setup.
- Crafting biodegradable confetti: The petals of Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson' could be dried and used as natural, biodegradable confetti for eco-friendly celebrations.
- In flotation devices for gardening: Dried Dahlia stems, being hollow, could be repurposed as improvised flotation aids in water gardening or hydroponics.
- For culinary decoration: Though not all Dahlias are edible, the petals of certain varieties can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- As an artistic medium: The unique forms and colors of Dahlias can inspire artists, with their blooms used either as models or even as components in art installations.
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 & Dignity: Dahlias, with their intricate petals and stunning beauty, are often associated with poise and self-respect.
- Change and Variety: The wide range of colors and forms that dahlias come in symbolizes diversity and embracing change.
- Commitment & Bond: Because dahlias continue to bloom for extended periods, they represent long-lasting relationships and a lasting bond between individuals.
- Inspiration: The vibrant and lively hues of the dahlia encourage creativity and serve as a muse for artistic expression.
- Inner Strength: Dahlias can withstand harsh environments, symbolizing an individual's ability to persist through challenging conditions.
- Warning & Betrayal: In the Victorian language of flowers, dahlias can sometimes signify a sense of betrayal or a warning about an impending situation, due to their overwhelming beauty hiding their thorny stems.
WaterDahlias, including the 'Jodie Wilkinson' variety, should be watered deeply, meaning the water reaches down to the roots, approximately two to three times a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. It's best to water these plants early in the morning to reduce evaporation and to help prevent disease. During the active growing season, a dahlia plant will typically require around 1 to 2 gallons of water per week. The soil should be moist but not soggy, and you should always avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to rot, so ensure that the soil drains well.
LightThe Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson' thrives best in full sun conditions. The optimal spot for this plant is in an area where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. This sun exposure is crucial for the development of full, vibrant blooms. While dahlias can tolerate some partial shade, they bloom best when planted in a location with ample sunlight.
TemperatureDahlias, such as the 'Jodie Wilkinson', perform best in moderate to warm temperature conditions, with ideal growth occurring between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive a minimum temperature of just above freezing, but they're not frost-tolerant and should be protected or dug up if temperatures dip below 32°F. The maximum temperature for dahlias typically should not exceed 90°F as extreme heat may cause the plants to stop flowering.
PruningDahlias, including 'Jodie Wilkinson', benefit from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more prolific blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done consistently throughout the blooming season to promote continued flowering. Pruning can also include cutting back stems to the third set of leaves to encourage lateral branching. The best time for a major pruning is early in the growing season, when the plant is about a foot tall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias require well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part sand or perlite encourages healthy growth. Regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will nourish the 'Jodie Wilkinson' Dahlia.
RepottingDahlias, including 'Jodie Wilkinson', are typically grown from tubers planted annually. Repotting is not common, as they are dug up and stored during winter in colder climates and replanted each spring for fresh growth cycles.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Jodie Wilkinson' prefer moderate humidity levels and do not thrive in excessively high humidity environments. Aim for a humidity range that mirrors their natural outdoor growing conditions, which is typically between 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Jodie Wilkinson' Dahlia in well-lit area; ensure pot with drainage.
Outdoor
Plant 'Jodie Wilkinson' Dahlia in full sun, enriched soil, adequate space.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson' begins its life cycle as a tuber planted after the last frost when the soil has warmed. It sprouts and grows into a leafy stem, with foliage emerging, followed by buds which eventually bloom into large, showy flowers generally in midsummer. Throughout the growing season, the plant requires regular watering, deadheading to encourage continuous blooming, and adequate sunlight. As fall approaches and temperatures drop, the first frost signals the end of the dahlia's blooming period, at which point the plant will start to yellow and die back. Tubers can then be dug up, cleaned, and stored in a cool, frost-free place over winter to be replanted the next spring. If left in the ground in milder climates, the tubers may go dormant and begin the cycle again with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Dahlia 'Jodie Wilkinson', commonly known as dahlia, is through division of tubers. Dahlias are typically propagated in the spring after the last frost when the ground temperature reaches about 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.56 Celsius). Propagation by division involves carefully separating the tuber clump to ensure that each division has at least one eye or bud from which new growth will emerge. Gardeners should use a sharp, clean knife to cut through the tubers, making sure not to damage the eyes. The divided tubers are then allowed to dry for a day or two before being planted in well-draining soil. This method is highly effective as it preserves the genetic integrity of the plant, ensuring that the new plants will exhibit the same characteristics as the parent.
