Dahlia Dahlia 'Lilac Taratahi' (C)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Lilac Taratahi' is a stunning ornamental flower known for its vibrant and captivating appearance. It showcases large, showy blooms characterized by their soft lilac color, which has a pastel hue that is both soothing and striking. The petals are typically arranged in a regular pattern, exhibiting a symmetrical form that contributes to the overall elegance of the flower. Each petal is often broad and slightly curved, coming to a gentle point at the tip, which creates a lush, full-bodied bloom. The center of the flower is made up of smaller, compact petals and reproductive structures that may be a slightly different shade, offering a contrast that enhances the visual appeal. Around this central disc, the larger petals radiate outward, resembling the spokes of a wheel. This structure of the dahlia contributes to its classic beauty, drawing the eye across the various layers of texture and color. The foliage of the Dahlia 'Lilac Taratahi' is equally attractive, with lush green leaves that provide a rich backdrop for the light purple blossoms. The leaves are typically broad and have a slightly serrated edge, capturing light and creating a shimmering effect that complements the blooms. The combination of the exquisite lilac flowers against the backdrop of vibrant green foliage makes this plant a favorite among gardeners and landscape enthusiasts for its ability to add a touch of sophistication to any setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Lilac Taratahi'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Lilac Taratahi variety, are not considered toxic to humans. Generally, they do not pose a risk if touched or ingested in small quantities. However, ingesting large amounts of any plant material can be potentially harmful and cause gastrointestinal upset. It is always wise to use caution and not consume plants that are not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Dahlias, such as the Lilac Taratahi, are not considered poisonous to pets either. They are generally safe in gardens where pets may have access. However, as with humans, consumption of large amounts of plant material can cause digestive distress in pets. If a pet ingests a large quantity, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Always monitor pets around plants to ensure they do not ingest large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances garden aesthetics - Dahlia adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its stunning lilac blooms.
- Attracts pollinators - Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are drawn to its flowers, supporting biodiversity.
- Cut flowers - The blossoms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their beauty and longevity.
- Easy to grow - Dahlias are generally easy to cultivate, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Variety of uses - Can be grown in borders, flower beds, or containers, offering versatility in garden design.
- Breeding potential - Gardeners can propagate Dahlias through division or cuttings, allowing the creation of new plants.
- Season-long blooms - With proper care, Dahlias provide color from midsummer until the first frosts of fall.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography - Dahlias are often used as subjects in professional and amateur photography due to their vibrant colors and stunning petal arrangements.
- Educational Tool - Botany educators may use the Dahlia as an example to teach about plant genetics, hybridization, and flower structures.
- Art and Craft - Pressed dahlia flowers can be used in crafting bookmarks, greeting cards, or in resin jewelry as a beautiful natural element.
- Color Dyes - Historically, dahlia flowers might have been used to extract color dyes for fabric or art purposes due to their range of hues.
- Floral Arrangement Workshops - The Dahlia can serve as an excellent teaching tool for floral design, enabling students to create bouquets and centerpieces.
- Culinary Garnishes - Edible varieties of dahlias can be used to garnish dishes, adding a colorful flair to culinary presentations.
- Feng Shui - In the practice of Feng Shui, dahlias can be used to attract positive energy to a home or garden.
- Event Themes - Dahlias can inspire themes for events like weddings or garden parties with their diverse colors and forms guiding the decor.
- Therapy Gardens - Due to their beauty, dahlias are planted in therapeutic garden settings to promote relaxation and reduce stress for visitors.
- Sandwich Filler - The petals of certain edible dahlia varieties can be used as a sweet and crunchy addition to sandwiches and salads.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlias are not typically associated with Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: Dahlia 'Lilac Taratahi' possesses an intricate and exquisite bloom, which traditionally symbolizes a graceful demeanor and a sense of self-respect.
- Commitment and Bond: With its strong stem and long-lasting flowers, dahlias are often associated with a lasting bond and commitment between individuals.
- Change and Diversity: Dahlias come in a wide array of colors and forms, representing diversity and adaptability to change.
- Warning and Caution: In Victorian times, dahlias were used to signal a sense of warning about a change or betrayal, as they stood out starkly in the garden landscape.
- Personal Achievement: Dahlias bloom through late summer and fall, a time when many other flowers are fading, symbolizing personal growth and perseverance.
WaterDahlias, such as the 'Lilac Taratahi', should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system, usually around 2 gallons per week depending on weather conditions. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. During the growing season, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. In hot, dry climates, watering may need to be done more frequently, while in cooler, wetter conditions, it can be reduced.
LightDahlias like 'Lilac Taratahi' need full sun to thrive, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. The best spot for these plants is in an area where they are exposed to direct sunlight throughout most of the day. Avoid planting in shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.
TemperatureDahlias such as 'Lilac Taratahi' prefer temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as the mid-50s Fahrenheit, but growth will be slower. Extreme heat above 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plants, and frost can kill the dahlia tubers, so they should be lifted or protected when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningDahlias such as 'Lilac Taratahi' should be pruned to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tips when the plant is about a foot tall. Throughout the season, remove any dead or damaged stems and spent blooms to encourage further flowering. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level around 6.5 to 7.5. For best growth, mix compost, peat moss, and perlite into garden soil to improve fertility and aeration.
RepottingDahlias should be replanted annually, typically in the spring after the last frost, because they grow from tubers which need to be divided and given fresh soil each year.
Humidity & MistingDahlias thrive in moderate humidity levels and do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in their appropriate climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure pot has good drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun after frost; mulch and provide consistent moisture.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Dahlia 'Lilac Taratahi' begins with the germination of tubers planted in the spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed sufficiently. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, producing stems, leaves, and roots as it grows towards maturity. During the flowering stage, typically in mid-summer to early fall, it produces its characteristic large, vivid lilac-colored blooms which attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, though many gardeners propagate Dahlias vegetatively from tubers or cuttings. As temperatures drop in late fall, Dahlia 'Lilac Taratahi' enters dormancy; the aerial parts die back, and the tubers can be dug up and stored in a cool, frost-free place over winter. In the following spring, the cycle begins again with the planting of the tubers for a new season of growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propagation of the Dahlia 'Lilac Taratahi' typically occurs during late winter to early spring before the new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation for Dahlias, including 'Lilac Taratahi', is through division of tubers. This process involves carefully digging up the tuberous roots after the foliage has died back post-frost and the tubers have been given a few weeks to cure. The tubers are then cut into sections, making sure that each section has at least one eye, which is a point from where new growth will emerge. These cuttings are then allowed to dry for a day or so to form a protective callus over the cuts, which helps prevent rot when planted. The divided tuber sections can be planted in well-drained soil about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) deep, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to accommodate future growth.
