Waterlily Dahlia Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' (WL)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' is a striking plant noted for its large, showy flowers with a unique coloration that catches the eye. It features blooms that are a blend of deep reds, oranges, and yellows, giving them a fiery appearance that stands out in any garden setting. The petals are arranged in a way that creates a full, almost spherical flower head with an intricate pattern. Each petal is slightly rolled at the edges, which adds depth and texture to the flower. The vibrant blossoms are set against a backdrop of lush green foliage, with leaves that are typically broad and slightly serrated along the edges. As a dahlia, it is known for its substantial blooming period and can provide a colorful display from midsummer until the first frosts of autumn. It's a popular choice for cut flower arrangements due to its long vase life and the impactful statement it makes in bouquets.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' (WL).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are not considered toxic to humans. Generally, ingesting any part of a dahlia plant, including Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow', does not result in symptoms of poisoning. Therefore, the consumption of dahlias does not typically pose health risks for humans.
To pets
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow', are regarded as non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of this plant should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning. However, just like with any non-food item, if a pet were to consume a large amount of the plant, it could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the fibrous nature of the plant material. Generally, there are no significant toxicity concerns for pets with the ingestion of dahlias.
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
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' is known for its striking blooms that add vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, promoting biodiversity.
- Extended Blooming Period: Dahlias, including 'Kilburn Glow', have a long flowering season that can last from midsummer to the first frosts of autumn.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers with a good vase life, ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for use in flower beds, borders, and as container plants, offering versatility in garden design.
- Easy Propagation: Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' can be easily propagated from tubers, cuttings, or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their collection.
- Garden Focal Point: The large, showy flowers can serve as a focal point in garden design, drawing the eye to specific areas.
- Mental Well-being: Gardening with dahlias such as 'Kilburn Glow' can provide a sense of achievement and contribute to overall mental well-being.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from pinks to oranges depending on the mordant used.
- The tubers of Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' can be carved into stamps for craft projects, using their unique natural patterns to create repetitive designs.
- Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' stems can be woven into decorative wreaths or used in basketry for their sturdy and flexible nature.
- The blooms can be utilized in flower art, such as creating pressed flower bookmarks or framed compositions for decoration.
- Petals of the Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a pop of color and subtle fragrance in home décor.
- During blooming season, the flowers provide visually intriguing photography subjects due to their vivid colors and striking patterns.
- Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' can add an ornamental touch to ponds or water features when floated on the surface, creating a picturesque setting.
- They can be used educationally in botany and horticulture classes to teach about plant propagation and hybridization due to their diverse genetic lineage.
- Dry or fresh petals of Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' can be used in artistic garlands and strings for festive decorations or cultural events.
- The spent Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' blooms can be composted as an enrichment for soil, adding nutrients back into 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- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias often symbolize elegance and grace due to their intricate blooms and stunning presentation, and this variety is no exception.
- Commitment and Bond: They are frequently considered symbols of commitment and an everlasting bond between two people, making them popular in floristry for occasions that celebrate love and union.
- Creativity: The vibrant colors and dynamic patterns of the 'Kilburn Glow' dahlia represent creativity and the drive to stand out from the crowd.
- Change and Diversity: Dahlias may also symbolize change and diversity, reflecting the flower's wide range of colors and forms, reminding us of the ever-changing nature of life.
- Warning and Betrayal: In some historical contexts, dahlias can suggest a sense of betrayal or a warning due to their complexity and sometimes overwhelming beauty masking hidden dangers.
WaterDahlias, including the 'Kilburn Glow', should be watered deeply to encourage deep root growth, with watering sessions spaced to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Typically, watering once or twice a week with about an inch of water is adequate, though this can vary depending on climate and soil type. In gallons, this corresponds to about 0.5 to 1 gallon for smaller plants or up to 2 gallons for larger, more established plants, each week. During hot, dry spells, they may need more frequent watering to prevent wilting. It's important to direct the water at the root zone and avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
LightDahlias like 'Kilburn Glow' thrive in full sun and should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for best growth and flowering. A south or west-facing location where they can enjoy the midday and afternoon sun is ideal. While they can tolerate partial shade, this may reduce the vigor and number of blooms.
TemperatureDahlias, including the 'Kilburn Glow', grow best in temperate conditions with daytime temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can handle nighttime temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit as they are sensitive to frost. Optimal growing conditions are achieved when temperatures do not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune dahlias like the 'Kilburn Glow' to remove dead or wilting flowers, which encourages the plant to produce more blooms and extends the flowering season. Pruning should also include cutting back entire stems to maintain a bushy, compact growth habit. Pruning is best done during the growing season, typically from early summer until fall, whenever flowers begin to fade.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix for Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' would be a combination of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand. Adding compost or well-rotted manure will enrich the soil and improve its structure, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
RepottingDahlias, including the variety 'Kilburn Glow', are typically grown from tubers that should be planted annually in the spring after the last frost. They do not need to be repotted during the growing season; instead, tubers are lifted and stored during winter in colder climates.
Humidity & MistingDahlias, such as the 'Kilburn Glow', prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to various conditions. They do not have specific humidity requirements but should be protected from overly damp environments that could promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-draining soil, provide bright light, keep room warm.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, use fertile, well-draining soil; space 18".
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA.
Life cycleThe Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow', commonly known as Dahlia, starts its life as a tuber, which is planted in the spring after the last frost. The tubers sprout stems and leaves as the weather warms, entering a vegetative growth stage, during which they develop a robust root system and foliage. Following vegetative growth, the Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow' enters the flowering stage in midsummer to early autumn, showcasing vibrant blooms that can be a variety of colors including red, orange, and yellow shades. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence in late autumn as temperatures drop, with above-ground growth dying back. Gardeners often lift and store the tubers during winter to protect them from freezing temperatures. Come the next spring, these stored tubers can be replanted, completing the cycle and starting a new growth season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Dahlia 'Kilburn Glow', commonly known as simply Dahlia, is most commonly propagated through the division of its tubers. This typically takes place in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and when the tubers begin to sprout. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clumps of tubers and gently brush off the soil. Look for natural dividing lines where individual tubers have formed; each piece used for propagation should have at least one eye or sprout. Cut the tubers apart with a sharp, clean knife, ensuring each piece has at least one eye. Let the cut surfaces dry for a day to form a callus, which helps prevent rot. Finally, plant the divided tuber sections about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, and water them in to encourage growth.
