Dahlia Dahlia 'Lakeland Sunset' (C)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Lakeland Sunset' is known for its striking flowers, which are the main attraction of this plant. The blooms exhibit a warm blend of colors, often showcasing shades that can range from a soft peach to a vibrant coral, and sometimes they even include hues of pink and yellow, giving them a fiery sunset-like appearance. Each flower is composed of a multitude of petals that are arranged in a full, intricate pattern, contributing to their lush, rounded look. The petals have slightly ruffled edges that add to their volume and depth. Dahlia 'Lakeland Sunset' flowers atop sturdy stems, which are accompanied by lush green foliage. The leaves are typically bright green and have a pinnate structure with leaflets arranged on both sides of the central stem, giving the plant a dense and verdant presence. The contrast between the vibrant flowers and the rich green of the leaves creates a visually appealing display in any garden setting. This plant often serves as a striking centerpiece in floral arrangements and garden designs due to its alluring flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Lakeland Sunset'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlia 'Lakeland Sunset' (commonly known just as Dahlia) is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting large quantities of dahlia parts might cause mild stomach upset, but they are generally recognized as safe. There is no significant danger or toxicity associated with dahlias for people, even if parts of the plant are accidentally consumed.
To pets
Dahlias are also considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet were to ingest parts of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, but dahlias are not known to cause serious harm or poisoning in pets. It's always best to discourage pets from eating non-food plants, as individual reactions can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Dahlias are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that help pollinate surrounding plants.
- Vibrant colors: 'Lakeland Sunset' offers striking colors that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Extended blooming: This variety of dahlia tends to have a long flowering period from midsummer through autumn, providing sustained beauty.
- Versatility: Dahlias can be grown in borders, containers, or as cut flowers, offering flexibility in gardening design.
- Easy to grow: Dahlias are generally easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of different skill levels.
- Enhances biodiversity: By attracting a variety of insects, dahlias contribute to the ecological health of a garden.
- Diversity of use: The blooms of dahlias are often used in floral arrangements and can be a source of income for cut-flower farmers.
- Rapid growth: Dahlias tend to grow quickly and can fill in garden spaces efficiently.
- Propagatable: These plants can be easily propagated from tubers, cuttings, or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their collection.
- Seasonal transition: With their late blooming period, dahlias can provide color in gardens when many other plants have finished flowering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The vibrant petals of dahlias can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics, providing a range of colors from pinks to deep reds, depending on the variety and mordant used.
- Eco-friendly pest control: Dahlia leaves can be used as part of a compost tea or natural pesticide spray to deter certain garden pests without the use of harmful chemicals.
- Educational tool: Dahlias, due to their complexity and variety of forms and colors, are excellent subjects for botany education and can be used to teach principles of plant biology and genetics.
- Artistic inspiration: The distinctive form and coloration of dahlia flowers make them a popular choice among artists and photographers for creating botanical art and prints.
- Floral jewelry: The sturdy structure of dahlia petals allows them to be used in creating unique pieces of floral jewelry, such as earrings and necklaces.
- Biodegradable confetti: Petals of dahlias, being biodegradable, can be used as a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper confetti at events.
- Horticultural therapy: Growing dahlias can be a therapeutic activity, improving mental health by providing a sense of accomplishment and beauty.
- Flowering hedges: By planting dahlias densely, they can form colorful, informal hedges that add privacy and aesthetic appeal to garden spaces.
- Floral crafts: Dried dahlia flowers can be used in crafting, such as in wreath making or as part of potpourri mixtures, to bring a touch of nature indoors.
- Culinary decoration: Although not a common use, the petals of dahlias (provided they're free from pesticides) can be used to garnish salads and desserts for an added splash of color.
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, with its intricate petals and stunning display, represents a sense of grace and poise.
- Change and Variety: With its diverse colors and forms, the Dahlia symbolizes diversity and the ability to embrace change.
- Commitment and Bond: Given as a gift, Dahlias can convey a lasting commitment and a strong bond between two people.
- Creative Expression: The Dahlia’s range of shapes and shades stands for creativity and the drive to express oneself vividly.
- Inner Strength: The robustness of the Dahlia flower signifies inner strength and the capability to thrive in challenging situations.
- Warning and Betrayal: In the Victorian language of flowers, Dahlias can also carry a negative connotation of betrayal or instability, likely due to their plush and complex appearance.
WaterDahlias require regular watering, particularly during the growing season. For 'Lakeland Sunset' dahlias, water the soil at the base of the plant to ensure that the water reaches the roots where it's needed most and to avoid wetting the foliage which could promote fungal diseases. During the active growing season, they typically need about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather conditions. In periods of high heat and drought, this may increase to 2-3 times per week to maintain moisture levels. Ensure the soil is well-drained as dahlias dislike waterlogged conditions. It is best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid overhead watering to minimize risk of leaf spot diseases and powdery mildew.
LightDahlias, including 'Lakeland Sunset', thrive in areas that receive full sun exposure for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours a day. They perform best when they get direct sunlight from morning through to the afternoon. The ideal spot for these flowers would be an unobstructed southern or western exposure where they can soak up the rays. Avoid planting them in areas that are shaded for most of the day, as insufficient light can hinder blooming and lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureThe ideal temperatures for growing 'Lakeland Sunset' Dahlias range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can be damaging, while the maximum temperature they can handle without stress is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Dahlias prefer a consistent temperature range and can suffer in extreme variances. It's important to protect them from late spring and early fall frosts by covering them or bringing them indoors if potted.
PruningPruning, or deadheading, dahlias like 'Lakeland Sunset' encourages the plant to produce more flowers and helps to maintain a bushy, compact growth habit. Remove spent flowers by cutting back the stem to the next set of leaves. Throughout the growing season, also prune or pinch back the terminal buds to promote branching and more blooms. The best time for pruning dahlias is late spring, just as the plants start to grow new shoots. Prune away any thin or weak stems at this time to concentrate the plant's energy into robust growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in a fertile, well-drained soil mix with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good mix for Dahlia 'Lakeland Sunset' would include equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. It's important to enrich the soil with compost or a well-balanced fertilizer before planting to support robust growth.
RepottingDahlias typically do not require frequent repotting as they are grown from tubers that are lifted and stored during the winter. Once a Dahlia 'Lakeland Sunset' outgrows its container, it can be divided and repotted in the spring before the growing season. Generally, this might be done every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and give the plant more space to grow.
Humidity & MistingDahlias, such as the 'Lakeland Sunset', prefer moderate humidity levels and do well in outdoor environments where the natural air flow prevents excessive moisture. They do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in their appropriate climate zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, fertile soil, and strategic watering for indoor Dahlias.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, fertile soil, care for moisture but avoid overwatering.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Lakeland Sunset' begins its life as a tuber, which is planted in the ground in spring after the last frost. The tuber sprouts and develops into a young plant, which then grows stems and leaves as it matures. During the growing season, this perennial produces vibrant blooms that can be a variety of warm shades, commonly in the late summer to fall. After flowering, the plant sets seed, though dahlias are more commonly propagated through division of tubers. As temperatures cool and the first frost approaches, the above-ground foliage of the dahlia dies back. The tubers can be lifted and stored in a cool, frost-free place during winter to be replanted the following spring, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia 'Lakeland Sunset' can be propagated through several methods, but dividing tubers is the most popular technique. This should be done in the spring, just as the new shoots begin to emerge from the tubers. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the tubers after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. Rinse off the soil and cut the tubers into sections, ensuring that each division has at least one eye, which is a potential growth point. Let the cut surfaces dry for a day or two to form a callus, which helps prevent rot. Then, plant the tuber sections about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep in well-drained soil, maintaining proper spacing to give each new plant room to grow.
