Dahlia Dahlia 'Josudi Neptune' (S-c)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Josudi Neptune' is a captivating plant known for its stunning blooms. The flowers display a symphony of colors usually featuring a rich blend of purples and lilacs. Each petal exhibits a gradient of hues with the most intense colors often at the base, softening as they extend to the tips. The petals themselves have a unique form, curling elegantly around each other to create a spherical flower head that is intricate and tightly packed. These bloom heads are multi-layered, giving them a plush, dimensional look. The overall appearance of the flower is one of opulence and ornamental beauty. The foliage that supports these flowers is deep green, providing a lush backdrop that contrasts and emphasizes the vivid coloring of the blooms. The leaves have a typical dahlia shape: pointed oval with serrated edges. 'Josudi Neptune' is part of a classification known for similar bloom characteristics, but each variety, including this one, has its unique charm and distinct coloring scheme that makes it a sought-after addition to gardens and ornamental arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Josudi Neptune'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the variety 'Josudi Neptune', are not considered toxic to humans. They do not typically cause poisoning if ingested, and there are no significant symptoms associated with consumption. However, as with any non-food plant, individual sensitivities may vary, and eating non-edible plants is generally not recommended.
To pets
Dahlias, including the variety 'Josudi Neptune', are generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of the dahlia plant typically does not lead to poisoning or severe health issues. However, it's possible for pets to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume a large amount of the plant due to the non-digestible nature of certain plant fibers.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Dahlia 'Josudi Neptune' features striking blooms that add visual interest to any garden or landscape design.
- Attracts pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity.
- Cut flowers: Dahlias are popular as cut flowers due to their long vase life and stunning appearance in floral arrangements.
- Wide color range: Dahlias come in a variety of colors, which can be used to create diverse and colorful garden themes.
- Seasonal interest: They bloom from midsummer to autumn, providing extended interest in the garden during these seasons.
- Variable sizes: With a range of sizes from dwarf to tall varieties, dahlias can fit into various garden spaces and scales.
- Garden versatility: Dahlias can be incorporated into borders, beds, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Tubers: Dahlia tubers are like sweet potatoes and can be cooked and eaten, although not as widely known for consumption as some other tuberous plants.
- Natural Dyes: Dahlias can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics, with petals providing various hues depending on their color.
- Insect Food: Dahlias, when grown in a garden, can act as a food source for pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies, as well as other beneficial insects.
- Photography Subject: Due to their vibrant colors and intricate shapes, Dahlias are often used by photographers as a popular subject for floral and botanical photography.
- Temporary Tattoos: The flower's juice can sometimes be used to make temporary tattoos by pressing the petals onto the skin.
- Floral Arrangements: Dahlia flowers are commonly used in professional floral arrangements for events and special occasions due to their variety and beauty.
- Symbolic Gifts: Dahlias can be given as gifts that symbolize commitment and an everlasting bond, as they are flowers that bloom for extended periods.
- Teaching Botany: Dahlias can be used in educational settings to teach botany and horticulture, due to their diverse forms and growth requirements.
- Art Inspiration: The flowers often provide inspiration for artists and crafters, who use their form and colors as motifs in various forms of art, from painting to fabric design.
- Garden Design: Dahlias are used in landscape and garden design for their aesthetic appeal and the ability to attract beneficial wildlife to the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Dignity: Dahlias, with their striking presence and variety of forms, are often associated with dignity, symbolizing an ability to stand graceful and strong in the face of life’s challenges.
- Change: The diversity of dahlias, including the 'Josudi Neptune', can represent change and diversity, signaling an embrace of new experiences and staying unique.
- Elegance: Dahlias like the 'Josudi Neptune', often admired for their complex petals and regal bearing, symbolize elegance and inner strength.
- Creativity: The intricate patterns and vivid colors of dahlias, including the 'Josudi Neptune', are a nod to creativity, inspiring boldness and innovative thinking.
- Commitment: Because they bloom for extended periods of time, dahlias are emblematic of commitment and a bond that lasts. This makes them popular in floral arrangements for meaningful occasions.
- Wealth and Prosperity: Historically, dahlias were grown for their edible tubers and were often found in Victorian dahlia collections, represented in pictures as symbols of wealth and prosperity.
WaterDahlias, including 'Josudi Neptune,' prefer consistent moisture especially during their growing season. It's best to water the dahlias deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1-2 gallons per plant for each watering session. Water directly at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During hot weather, you might need to water more frequently to maintain moist but not soggy soil. In cooler weather or rainy periods, reduce the frequency as dahlias are prone to rot in overly wet conditions.
LightDahlias thrive in full sun, which means 'Josudi Neptune' plants should get at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot is one where morning sunlight is plentiful, promoting vigorous growth and bloom production. Avoid places that are shaded or receive only partial sunlight to ensure the plant's optimal health and flowering capacity.
TemperatureDahlias, like 'Josudi Neptune,' perform best in temperatures ranging from about 60°F to 70°F. They can tolerate a maximum temperature of up to 90°F, but prolonged heat can stress the plant. Frost is a threat to dahlias, and they cannot withstand temperatures below 50°F. The ideal growing period is after the last frost in spring until the first frost of fall.
PruningFor 'Josudi Neptune' dahlias, pruning encourages bushier plants and more abundant blooms. Deadhead faded flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. After the first set of flowers has bloomed, pinch out the growing tips to increase side branching. Pruning should occur throughout the growing season as necessary. The best time for major pruning is early spring when new shoots have appeared.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good mix for Dahlia 'Josudi Neptune' would include equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat moss or well-rotted compost, and sharp sand to improve drainage. Adding perlite or vermiculite can also help with aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingDahlias, including the 'Josudi Neptune,' don't require frequent repotting and are typically replanted yearly. They are dug up after the first frost in fall, the tubers are stored for the winter, and then they are replanted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Josudi Neptune' prefer a moderate humidity level, aligning with average outdoor conditions. They are not particularly humidity-sensitive, making them adaptable to most outdoor garden environments without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and pot in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, regular feeding, stake tall varieties.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Josudi Neptune' begins its life cycle when a tuber is planted after the last threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Germination follows, as the sprout emerges from the tuber and begins to grow into a young plant, which will eventually develop a sturdy stem and foliage. As the plant matures, it forms buds that will blossom into the characteristic large and vibrant flowers during the growing season. Post-blooming, the plant will set seed, although dahlias are often propagated by tuber division rather than seed to maintain cultivar characteristics. As temperatures drop in autumn, the above-ground part of the plant will die back, with the tuber remaining dormant underground during the winter. With the return of warmer weather in spring, the cycle is ready to begin anew with the growth of new shoots from the tuber.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Josudi Neptune', which is a Dahlia of the semi-cactus (S-c) type, is through division of tubers. The best time to propagate dahlias by dividing the tubers is in the spring, just before the new growth begins. Each section of the tuber clump must contain at least one eye, which is a growth point from which the new dahlia plant will sprout. The division process involves carefully separating the clump of tubers with a sharp knife, ensuring that each new section has sufficient tuber mass and at least one eye. After cutting, the cut surfaces should be allowed to dry and callous over for a day or two to prevent rot. These divided tubers can then be planted directly into the ground, about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) deep, with the eye facing upwards. This method is reliable and helps maintain the specific characteristics of 'Josudi Neptune' dahlias.
