Dahlia Dahlia 'Little Robert' (D)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Little Robert' is a decorative variety that features a vibrant display of color with its rich, purple-pink petals. The flowers are quite captivating, comprising a multitude of layers that create a full and almost spherical look. The petals are soft to the touch and have a subtle, graceful curve at their edges, contributing to the flower's lush and ruffled appearance. The plant itself has a sturdy stem, which holds the flower upright and provides a strong contrast with the green foliage. The leaves are typically deep green, with a defined shape that complements the flamboyant blooms. The overall visual effect of 'Little Robert' is one of vivid and cheerful opulence, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Little Robert Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Little Robert'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are not known to be toxic to humans. They are often grown for ornamental purposes and do not possess any significant toxins that could cause harm if touched or ingested in small quantities. There should be no serious symptoms of poisoning from consuming dahlias, although it is generally not advisable to eat ornamental plants due to potential pesticide exposure and the lack of food safety protocols in their cultivation.
To pets
Dahlias are generally considered to be non-toxic to pets. They do not contain substances known to cause serious harm if pets ingest parts of the plant. While eating dahlias might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the ingestion of non-digestible plant material, no severe symptoms of poisoning are expected. It is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Adds vibrant color and visual appeal to gardens with its bright flower blooms.
- Variety of uses: Suitable for flower beds, borders, container gardening, and cut flower arrangements.
- Attracts pollinators: Acts as a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to grow: Can thrive in a range of soil types and once established, requires minimal care.
- Long blooming season: Provides an extended display of flowers from summer through fall.
- Customizable growth: With proper care, gardeners can influence the plant's size and shape to fit specific landscaping needs.
- Diversity in size and form: Available in various sizes and flower shapes, adding diversity to garden designs.
- Enhances mood: The presence of vibrant flowers has been known to improve mood and reduce stress levels.
- Seasonal interest: Offers a change in scenery throughout the growing season as flowers develop and mature.
- Educational opportunities: Ideal for teaching about plant growth, horticulture, and 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- Dye Production: The petals of the Dahlia can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of vibrant colors.
- Culinary Garnish: Dahlia petals are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish on salads, desserts, and cocktails.
- Photography Subjects: Dahlias, with their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, are often used as subjects in macro photography to create stunning images.
- Flower Arranging Competitions: Dahlias are popular choices for competitive flower arranging due to their variety of forms and long-lasting blooms.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Dahlias as a muse for paintings, drawings, and even fabric designs, capturing their diverse coloration and forms.
- Teaching Tool: In educational settings, Dahlias can be used to teach about plant biology, hybridization techniques, and genetics due to their diverse range of appearances.
- Theme Gardens: Dahlias can be used to create themed gardens based on color schemes or shapes due to the extensive variety available.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: When dried, Dahlia petals can serve as biodegradable confetti for weddings and celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Botanical Illustration: Dahlias are often depicted in botanical illustrations for their complex beauty and as a record of horticultural achievements.
- Decorative Potpourri: The petals of Dahlias can be dried and added to potpourri mixtures for a natural fragrance and burst of color in the home.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Diversity and Variety: Just as there are numerous varieties and colors of dahlias, Dahlia 'Little Robert' represents the idea of embracing diversity and the various aspects of life.
- Dignity and Elegance: Dahlias have an air of sophistication and are often considered to represent dignity, which can be attributed to their layered petals and stately appearance.
- Change and Transformation: Dahlias bloom for relatively long periods, which can symbolize a person's ability for growth or change over time.
- Commitment and Bond That Lasts: Given their impressive bloom time, dahlias often symbolize commitment or a lasting bond, possibly representing long-term relationships.
- Inner Strength: Dahlia 'Little Robert' might also convey a message of inner strength, as the dahlia plant stands out in the garden with its bold presence.
WaterDahlia 'Little Robert', commonly known as dahlia, should be watered deeply to encourage strong root growth, which typically means providing enough water to soak the soil to a depth of several inches. During the growing season, water dahlias once or twice a week, applying about 1 to 2 gallons per plant each time, depending on the weather conditions; they may require more frequent watering in hot, dry spells. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering to prevent overwatering. Regular, consistent watering is important, especially when the plants are blooming.
LightDahlias prefer full sunlight with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Plant dahlias in a spot that receives ample morning light and some protection from the intense afternoon sun if possible, which can help the blooms last longer. Good lighting is essential for vigorous growth and abundant flowering in dahlias.
TemperatureDahlias grow best in moderate temperatures and will thrive when daytime temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate a maximum temperature of up to 90°F but should be protected from intense heat. Dahlias can handle a minimum temperature of about 50°F but are cold-sensitive and should be protected or lifted from the ground if frosts or temperatures below this are expected.
PruningPrune dahlias to promote bushy growth, larger flowers, and a more vigorous plant. Pinch or cut back the main stem when the plant is about a foot tall to encourage branching. Throughout the blooming season, regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and to keep the plant looking tidy. The best time for pruning is early in the growing season and then as needed during the flowering period to remove faded blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer a well-draining soil mix with a pH around 6.5 to 7.0. A combination of loamy soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand can provide the right structure for 'Little Robert.' Ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter to support robust growth.
RepottingDahlias such as 'Little Robert' don't require frequent repotting; it's typically done every 2 to 3 years. Repotting is best performed when the tubers outgrow their current container or start to look crowded.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Little Robert' prefer moderate humidity conditions. They do well in typical outdoor humidity levels but should not be in excessively humid environments which can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, moderately humid, fertile soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide rich soil, space out plants.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Little Robert' begins its life cycle as a tuber which is planted after the last frost in spring when the soil is warm. It starts to sprout and grow stems and leaves, a stage characterized by vegetative growth that requires adequate water and sunlight. During the summer, it develops flower buds which bloom into colorful flowers, attracting pollinators and providing aesthetic appeal. After flowering in late summer or early fall, the plant begins to prepare for dormancy; the leaves and stems die back with the first frost as the plant's energy is conserved in the tubers below ground. Gardeners may dig up and store the tubers during winter to protect them from freezing temperatures. The cycle starts again the following spring when the tubers can be replanted.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Little Robert' is through division, which is ideally done in the spring just before the new growth begins. This method involves carefully separating the tuberous roots of the plant while ensuring that each division has at least one eye, or growth point, from which new shoots can emerge. The tubers should be cut apart using a sharp, clean knife, and any damaged or diseased parts should be removed. After cutting, the fresh cuts can be dusted with a fungicide to prevent rot. Finally, the divisions should be planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) with the eye facing upwards, and they should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth.
