Dahlia Dahlia 'Louise' (PBR) (Dahlietta Surprise Series) (D/dwb)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Louise', known commonly as just Dahlia, has an eye-catching appearance that captivates many garden enthusiasts. This variety displays stunning blooms characterized by delicate petals that often show a mix of warm colors. The flowers typically feature shades of pink, peach, or apricot with subtle gradations that can create a soft, painterly effect. Each petal might have a slight curl or twist, adding to the flower's dynamic look, and the blossoms themselves are lush and full, giving a generous show of color. At the center, the Dahlia 'Louise' flowers have a group of smaller, disc florets that contrast with the larger, surrounding, ray florets. The foliage, while not the main attraction, provides a pleasing backdrop with its deep green hue and pinnate leaves with pointed leaflets. Overall, the plant carries its blooms on sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, making the Dahlia 'Louise' an alluring choice for a focal point in garden beds and borders or as a key element in floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Dahlietta Louise, Dahlietta Surprise Louise, Dahlia 'Louise'.
Common names
Dahlia 'Louise' (PBR) (Dahlietta Surprise Series) (D/dwb).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant, such as tubers or leaves, typically does not result in poisoning or serious health consequences. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can occur, which might include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some people.
To pets
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. If a pet ingests parts of the dahlia plant, they are unlikely to experience significant poisoning. However, as with humans, some animals might have individual sensitivities that could lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. It is always prudent to prevent pets from consuming plant material to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhanced Garden Aesthetics: Dahlias are known for their vibrant blooms that come in a variety of shapes and colors, adding a dramatic flair to any garden setting.
- Extended Blooming Season: Dahlia 'Louise' typically has a long flowering period from midsummer until the first frosts, providing continuous color and interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlias are excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are vital for pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Perfect for Cut Flowers: Due to their long stems and beautiful blooms, dahlias like Dahlia 'Louise' make exceptional cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets.
- Versatility in the Garden: These plants can be grown in flower beds, borders, or containers, making them suitable for various garden designs and space constraints.
- Relatively Easy Maintenance: Dahlias require regular watering and occasional fertilizing but are otherwise straightforward to care for, making them accessible to gardeners of different skill levels.
- Variety of Uses: Besides their ornamental value, dahlias can also be used in competitive flower shows, as landscape features, or for themed garden displays.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Due to its vibrant colors and intricate petal structures, the Dahlia can be used as a beautiful subject or backdrop for photographic projects.
- Natural Dye: The petals of the Dahlia can be used to create natural dyes for textiles and art projects, offering hues ranging from pinks to deep reds.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible varieties of Dahlias can be used to decorate cakes and pastries, adding a touch of elegance to desserts.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the diverse forms and colors of Dahlias as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Teaching Tool: Dahlias can be used in educational settings to teach botany and horticulture, illustrating plant growth, reproduction, and hybridization.
- Theme Events: Dahlias can be incorporated into event themes, especially for weddings or garden parties, where their blooms can enhance the event's aesthetic.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Biodegradable confetti can be made from Dahlia petals, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper or plastic confetti.
- Floral Crafts: The dried petals or whole blooms of Dahlias can be used in crafting, such as making potpourri or floral arrangements.
- Garden Companions: Planting Dahlias alongside vegetables can add color to a vegetable garden and may help in attracting pollinators to increase yields.
- Ink Making: Dahlia petals can be crushed and processed to make natural inks for calligraphy or art projects.
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: Due to their sophisticated bloom structure and striking appearance, dahlias often symbolize elegance and dignity.
- Change and Diversity: The vast variety of dahlias, including the 'Louise' variety, represents diversity, and their blooming cycle signifies change and adaptability.
- Commitment and Bond: Given as gifts, dahlias can express sentiments of a lasting bond or commitment between individuals.
- Creative Spirit: Dahlias are often associated with standing out from the crowd and therefore are emblematic of a vibrant, creative spirit.
- Inner Strength: Dahlias bloom despite adverse conditions, representing inner strength, grace under pressure, and resilience.
WaterWater Dahlietta Surprise dahlias thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every two to three days during warmer months. In cooler weather, water less frequently, ensuring that you do not overwater and cause root rot. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, using about 16 ounces of water per plant for small pots or up to 1-2 gallons for larger garden plants, adjusting for rainfall and temperature variations.
LightDahlietta Surprise dahlias thrive in full sunlight, meaning they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sun exposure daily. Choose a spot in the garden that is well-lit throughout the day or a sunny window if grown indoors. Avoid areas with prolonged shade to ensure vigorous growth and optimal blooming.
TemperatureDahlietta Surprise dahlias prefer temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can withstand higher temperatures but should be shaded and watered adequately to prevent heat stress. They are not frost-hardy and should be protected or moved indoors if temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Dahlietta Surprise dahlias to promote bushier growth and more abundant flowering. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and cut back to around one-third of the plant's size in late fall after flowering has finished. Pruning is best done during the growing season as new buds appear.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Louise' thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil mix enriched with organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure. A soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal. Perlite or vermiculite can be added to enhance drainage.
RepottingDahlias generally need to be repotted when they outgrow their current container or every one to two years. Dahlia 'Louise' should be repotted in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingDahlia 'Louise' prefers moderate humidity levels but is relatively tolerant of different humidity conditions as long as the soil moisture and watering are well-regulated.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and keep soil moist for indoor Dahlia 'Louise'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun and well-draining soil for outdoor Dahlia 'Louise'.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlias, including the Dahlia 'Louise' from the Dahlietta Surprise Series, begin their life cycle as tubers planted after the last frost when the soil has warmed. The tubers sprout and develop into bushy plants, with the vegetative stage encompassing leaf and stem growth. As the plants mature, the flowering stage commences with buds forming and blossoming into the characteristic vibrant flowers of the Dahlia 'Louise'. After the flowering period, which may last until the first frost, the plant enters a period of senescence where leaves and stems begin to wilt and die back. To complete their yearly cycle, the tubers become dormant during winter; they can be lifted and stored in a cool, dry place to protect them from freezing temperatures. With the return of warmer weather, the tubers can be replanted, thus beginning a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Dahlia 'Louise' is usually propagated through divisions, which is the most popular method. This involves splitting the tuberous roots of the plant during the dormant season, ideally in the early spring before the new growth starts. Each section of the tuber should have at least one eye, which is a bud from which the new Dahlia plant will grow. The divisions are then planted directly into the ground or into pots, ensuring that the eyes are facing upwards and covered with about 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters) of soil. It’s important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as the new plants begin to grow. This propagation method ensures that the new plants will maintain the same characteristics as the parent, including the vibrant, signature flowers of the Dahlia 'Louise'.
