Karma Bon Bini Dahlia Dahlia 'Karma Bon Bini' (PBR) (C)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Karma Bon Bini' is a vibrant, attention-grabbing flower that brings a burst of color to any garden. It is known for its rich, fully double blooms that exhibit a striking blend of colors. These flowers often feature a warm, pinkish-orange hue at their petal bases that transitions into a glowing yellow at the tips, giving the flowers a fiery appearance. The petals are arranged in a neat, geometric pattern that is both precise and alluring, displaying the expertise of nature's design. Each flower head is composed of numerous individual petals that overlap in a captivating display of texture and depth, making it a popular choice for both garden displays and cut floral arrangements. The foliage of 'Karma Bon Bini' is typically deep green, which provides a lush backdrop for the lively blooms. The leaves are often pointed and elongated, creating a striking contrast with the round, full form of the blossoms. In addition to its showy flowers, the plant has an upright and sturdy posture, with strong stems that help support the weight of the sizable flower heads. Known for its excellent vase life, the 'Karma Bon Bini' is a favored variety among cut-flower enthusiasts who seek blooms that will last and retain their beauty over time. This delightful dahlia variety is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the flowers' vivid colors and ample pollen.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Karma Bon Bini Dahlia, Decorative Dahlia, Dahlia 'Karma Bon Bini'
Common names
Dahlia 'Karma Bon Bini'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlia 'Karma Bon Bini' is not known to be toxic to humans. They are generally considered safe, and there is no widespread documentation of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting dahlias. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is advisable to avoid ingesting plant material that is not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Dahlias are not listed as toxic to pets by major animal health organizations like the ASPCA. Therefore, the Dahlia 'Karma Bon Bini' should not pose a significant threat of poisoning to pets such as dogs and cats. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it's always wise to prevent pets from chewing on or consuming ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8-10
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Dahlia 'Karma Bon Bini' is renowned for its large, vibrant flowers which make for striking displays in gardens and as cut flowers.
- Long Blooming Season: This cultivar typically has a long flowering period from summer until frost, providing color for an extended time.
- Pollinator Friendly: The blooms attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of gardens.
- Variety of Uses: Can be used in borders, flowerbeds, and as a focal plant, as well as in container gardens for those with limited space.
- Easy Propagation: Dahlias can be easily propagated by dividing tubers, making it simple for gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Horticultural Interest: Their unique and diverse forms add an interesting visual element to horticultural displays and competitions.
- Versatile Design: The range of colors and forms compliment many garden designs and can be used for thematic landscaping.
- Improved Varieties: As a cultivar with plant breeders' rights (PBR), it has been selectively bred for desirable traits such as flower form, color, and plant habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral jewelry: Petals of the Dahlia can be used in creating delicate and unique pieces of floral jewelry such as earrings and pendants.
- Textile dye: The vibrant colors of Dahlia flowers can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Photography subject: The distinctive and colorful blooms of the Dahlia can provide an excellent subject for macro photography, allowing photographers to capture their intricate beauty.
- Crafts and decorations: Dried Dahlia blooms can be incorporated into handmade crafts, such as greeting cards or scrapbooks to add a touch of nature.
- Culinary decoration: While not a common practice, Dahlia petals can be used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts to add color and a touch of elegance.
- Art inspiration: The diverse forms and colors of Dahlias can inspire artists for paintings, illustrations, and fabric designs.
- Plant pigments for paint: The pigments extracted from Dahlias can be potentially used in creating eco-friendly paints for art or interior design.
- Garden photography workshops: Their striking appearance makes Dahlias great subjects for garden photography workshops, teaching enthusiasts how to capture flora.
- Bio-coloring for playdough: Petal extracts can naturally color homemade playdough for children, providing a non-toxic alternative to artificial coloring.
- Botanical studies: The Dahlia's varied genetics and breeding history provide ample material for botanical studies and education on plant hybridization.
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 intricate petals and bold presence are often associated with a poised and dignified bearing, reflecting a sense of elegance.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias can symbolize a lasting commitment and an everlasting bond between two people, oftentimes used in floral arrangements to celebrate marriage and partnership.
- Inner Strength: A representation of strength and resilience in the face of adversity, Dahlias remind us to stay graceful under pressure and to endure challenges.
- Creative Spirit: The diverse and vivid colors of Dahlias are thought to inspire creativity and represent the embrace of new ideas and perspectives.
- Change and Transition: Blooming from summer through fall, Dahlias are seen as emblematic of change and the ability to gracefully adapt to life's transitions.
- Wealth and Prosperity: Owing to their lush and abundant blooms, Dahlias can also symbolize wealth, prosperity, and success in one's endeavors.
- Diversity and Uniqueness: With over 42 species and thousands of cultivars, each with its unique patterning, Dahlias represent diversity and the beauty in being unique.
WaterDahlias like 'Karma Bon Bini' should be watered deeply to encourage strong root growth, with the amount of water depending on the climate and soil conditions. Generally, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water per week is recommended, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, water needs may increase, requiring more frequent watering sessions to maintain consistent soil moisture. It's best to water early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightDahlias such as 'Karma Bon Bini' thrive in a location with full sun exposure, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for these dahlias is an area that gets plenty of morning light and some protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun, particularly in hotter regions.
TemperatureThe 'Karma Bon Bini' dahlia performs best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but extremes should be avoided if possible. The ideal growing conditions involve warm days and cooler nights, which are typical of late summer to early autumn in many regions.
PruningPruning 'Karma Bon Bini' dahlias is essential for encouraging robust growth and prolific blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. Additionally, cutting back the plant in the early season can encourage bushier growth and more stems, which can lead to more flowers. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Karma Bon Bini' thrives in a well-draining, fertile loam with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat or compost, and one part perlite or sand is ideal for these plants to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingDahlias, including the 'Karma Bon Bini', do not often require repotting. They are typically grown from tubers planted annually. If grown in containers, repotting every spring with fresh soil before new growth begins is beneficial.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Karma Bon Bini' prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to a wide range of conditions. They do not particularly require high humidity and are tolerant of average outdoor humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in a bright spot, ensuring moist, fertile soil and moderate temps.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, rich soil, and provide consistent moisture.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlias, including the 'Karma Bon Bini' variety, begin their life cycle as tubers that are planted after the last frost in spring when the soil has warmed. The tubers send up shoots that develop into stems and foliage, leveraging warm temperatures and ample sunlight to grow rapidly. During the growing season, the plants produce their characteristic vibrant flowers, which for 'Karma Bon Bini' can be especially attractive for cutting and floral arrangements. After blooming, the flowers eventually wither and the plant focuses energy on storing nutrients back into the tubers for the next season. As temperatures drop in the fall, the above-ground growth dies back and the plant enters a period of dormancy. Before the first frost, gardeners will typically dig up the tubers, store them in a cool, dry place over winter, and replant them the following spring, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Dahlia 'Karma Bon Bini' is through division of tubers, which is usually done in spring as the plants break dormancy. To propagate by division, gardeners should carefully lift the clump of dahlia tubers from the ground after the foliage has died back. The clump can then be gently broken apart by hand or cut with a clean, sharp knife, ensuring that each division has at least one eye, or growth point. The divisions should be allowed to dry for a day or two to form a callous over the cuts, reducing the risk of rot, before planting them about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep in well-drained, fertile soil. This method not only multiplies the number of plants but also invigorates older clumps that may have become too dense, promoting more vigorous growth and better flowering.
