Marble Ball Dahlia Dahlia 'Marble Ball' (D)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Marble Ball' is a captivating plant characterized by its unique and showy flowers. The blooms are a standout feature, with a spherical shape reminiscent of a marble, hence the name 'Marble Ball.' The petals are intricately arranged in a tight, geometric pattern that gives the flowers a pompon-like appearance. Coloration is varied, often showcasing a blend of hues which might include shades of pink, purple, white, and sometimes a marbling effect that swirls different colors together in a delightful display. The petals themselves are quite stunning, with each one having a slightly curved or tubular shape that contributes to the overall round form of the flower head. This plant is known for its lush foliage that creates a striking contrast against the vivid colors of the blossoms. The leaves are typically bright green, adding to the plant's visual appeal. Overall, the Dahlia 'Marble Ball' is a vibrant and ornamental plant that is visually striking due to its distinct and beautifully patterned flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Marble Ball Dahlia, Ball Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Marble Ball'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Marble Ball', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They do not contain substances that are known to cause serious poisoning. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant would typically not result in symptoms of poisoning or severe consequences for humans.
To pets
Dahlias are also considered non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. If a pet were to ingest part of a Dahlia 'Marble Ball', it is not expected to cause significant symptoms of poisoning. While they are not known to contain poisonous compounds, ingestion could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the ingestion of non-food items, rather than toxicity from the plant itself.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Aesthetics: Provides visual appeal with its unique marbled petals and a range of colors.
- Garden Diversity: Adds variety to a garden collection due to its distinctive spherical flower shape and texture.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that help pollinate the garden.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long flowering period from mid-summer to the first frost, which enhances garden vibrancy for an extended time.
- Versatile Usage: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, providing flexibility in garden design and indoor decoration.
- Easy Propagation: Can be propagated through seeds or tuber division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection without additional costs.
- Hybrid Vigor: As a hybrid, it may exhibit robust growth and have improved resistance to disease compared to non-hybrid varieties.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlias can be used as a natural dye source where the petals provide a range of colors for fabrics and crafts.
- Dahlias, with their vibrant and varied colors, can be pressed and used in botanical art or herbarium collections for educational or artistic purposes.
- These flowers offer a rich source of nectar, thus planting them can help support local bee populations and other pollinating insects.
- Due to their structural beauty, dahlias can be replicated in designs for textiles, wallpaper, and other decorative prints.
- Dahlia petals are edible and can add a splash of color and a unique flavor to salads or as a garnish on desserts.
- The hollow stems of dahlias can be used creatively in floral arrangements to hold delicate stems of other flowers or even be fashioned into natural straws.
- Photographers and artists often use dahlias as subjects in their work because of their complex geometry and wide array of colors.
- Dahlias can be showcased in flower competitions and shows, allowing horticulturists to demonstrate their skill and compete for prizes.
- The blooms can be used in potpourri mixtures, often imparting not just beauty but also a subtle fragrance to the mix.
- Dahlias can be part of educational activities in schools or botanical gardens, teaching children and adults about plant biology and cultivation.
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: The sophisticated spherical form of the 'Marble Ball' Dahlia represents poise and refined beauty, making it a symbol of elegance.
- Diversity: Dahlias come in a vast array of colors and forms, and the 'Marble Ball' variety, with its unique pattern, symbolizes the beauty of diversity and variety.
- Commitment and Bond: In Victorian flower language, a Dahlia often signifies a lasting bond and commitment between two people, reflecting its enduring qualities as a perennial.
- Creativity: The intricate petal patterns and rich colors of the 'Marble Ball' Dahlia stand for creativity and inspiration.
- Change and Transformation: As Dahlias can dramatically change in appearance from bud to full bloom, they are also symbols of change, growth, and transformation.
- Dignity: Dahlias hold themselves with dignity on tall, strong stems, and as such, they have come to represent dignity and grace.
WaterFor Marble Ball Dahlias, it is crucial to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots, at least once a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and weather conditions. During periods of intense heat or drought, the frequency should be increased to twice a week. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal infections and water early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry during the day.
LightMarble Ball Dahlias perform best in full sun conditions, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for planting Dahlias would be in a location that receives ample morning sunlight and is protected from the intense afternoon heat, if possible. They thrive when they are placed in an area where sunlight is bright but not overly harsh, promoting robust growth and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureMarble Ball Dahlias prefer a temperate climate and grow best in temperatures ranging from about 60°F to 75°F. These plants are not frost-tolerant, so they should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F. For optimal growth, plant Dahlias after the last expected frost date in spring and provide protection or lift the tubers if temperatures below 50°F are expected in the fall.
PruningPruning Marble Ball Dahlias is important to promote vigorous growth and larger flowers. Pinch out the growing tips once the plant reaches about 16 inches to encourage bushiness. Throughout the growing season, deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. The best time for major pruning is at the end of the season, once the plants have stopped blooming and before digging up the tubers for winter storage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Marble Ball Dahlia is well-draining with rich organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat, and sand. The ideal soil pH for Dahlias should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.5 and 7.0, to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
RepottingMarble Ball Dahlias should be repotted annually, usually in the spring. Tubers should be divided every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, which can affect blooming.
Humidity & MistingMarble Ball Dahlias prefer average humidity levels. While they can tolerate some humidity, excessive moisture in the air can lead to fungal diseases, so it's important to ensure good air circulation around the plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, moderate watering, and sturdy support for stems.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide rich soil, and stake for support.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Marble Ball' begins its life cycle when a tuber is planted in the ground after the last frost, usually in early spring. The plant then quickly sprouts and the foliage emerges from the tuber, growing into a bushy plant. As it matures, the distinctive round and marble-patterned flowers bloom, which can be from midsummer until the first frost in fall. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, although many cultivars are propagated via division of tubers rather than seeds. As temperatures drop in the fall, the above-ground part of the plant dies back and the tuber goes into dormancy over winter. For continuation of the cycle, gardeners either protect the tubers in the ground with mulch or dig them up to store in a cool, dry place until they can be replanted the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The ideal time to propagate Dahlia 'Marble Ball' is in the spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy and can recover and grow vigorously throughout the growing season. The most popular method of propagation for dahlias is through division of their tuberous roots. Division is typically performed when you're ready to plant them out after any risk of frost has passed. Each division must contain at least one eye, or bud, from which the new dahlia plant will grow. Tubers are carefully separated by hand or with a sharp, clean knife to reduce the risk of disease. Once divided, allow the cut surfaces to dry and callous over for a day before planting them in well-draining soil. Plant the tubers with the eyes facing upwards, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, depending on the size of the tuber.
