Dahlia Dahlia 'Mary's Jomanda' (Ba)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Mary's Jomanda' is distinguished by its vibrant and showy flowers. The blooms are characterized by their intricate, tightly packed petals, which exhibit a sumptuous velvety texture. The petals' color is a deep, rich shade of pinkish-purple that exudes a sense of warmth and luxury. Each petal curls elegantly at the edges, adding depth and dimension to the overall floral display. The flowers of this Dahlia emerge from a lush backdrop of green foliage. The leaves present a contrast to the vivid flowers with their more subdued green hue, and they typically have a pinnate shape with pointed tips. They are arranged around sturdy stems that support the weight of the sizable blooms, providing a robust structure for the plant. This Dahlia variant is part of a group known for their garden performance and ability to produce an abundant display of flowers over the growing season. The blooms serve as an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements due to their striking appearance and lasting qualities, making this plant not just a garden favorite but also a florist's delight. The overall visual impact of Dahlia 'Mary's Jomanda' is one of elegance mixed with a touch of dramatic flair – perfect for adding a pop of color to any setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Mary's Jomanda' (Ba)
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, if Dahlias are ingested in large quantities, they could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It's important to note that sensitivity may vary from person to person, and those with specific allergies may react differently. Symptoms of significant ingestion might include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. While these plants are not known for being dangerously toxic, it is still not advisable to eat any part of ornamental plants due to the potential for digestive discomfort or unforeseen allergic reactions.
To pets
Dahlias, including the variety 'Mary's Jomanda', are not toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. They are generally considered safe when it comes to pet health, and ingestion of Dahlia parts typically does not lead to poisoning. Even so, as with many non-edible plants, consuming large amounts of the plant might cause mild gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in some pets. It is always a good practice to prevent pets from eating large amounts of any non-food plants due to the potential for stomach upset or an unexpected allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange-red
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Dahlias add vibrant colors and diverse forms to gardens and landscapes.
- Biodiversity Support: They provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility: Dahlias can be planted in beds, borders, containers, and are suitable for cutting gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: Dahlias have a lengthy flowering season from midsummer to frost, providing extended garden interest.
- Range of Uses: Suitable for use in bouquets and floral arrangements due to their varied forms and long vase life.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Community and Cultural Events: Often featured in horticultural shows and competitions, fostering community engagement.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia tubers can be used as a starch source for cooking; the tubers of 'Mary's Jomanda' are edible, like other dahlia varieties, and can be cooked similar to potatoes.
- In vegetable dye making, the petals of the dahlia can contribute to a range of colors, particularly shades of yellow and orange, depending on the mordant used.
- The sturdy stems of dahlias can be used in basket weaving or as natural plant stakes for supporting other, more delicate plants in the garden.
- Dahlia flowers can be pressed or dried and used in botanical art or craft projects for their shapes and colors, adding to scrapbooks or homemade cards.
- Dahlia blooms are sometimes used in the production of natural inks and pigments, which artists and crafters may prefer over synthetic options.
- The hollow stems of 'Mary's Jomanda' dahlia can be used as natural straws or for small-bore piping in model-making or crafts.
- When grown in large quantities, dahlias like 'Mary's Jomanda' can act as a natural insect repellent due to their strong scent, deterring pests from more vulnerable crops.
- Dahlias are used in ceremonies and festivals; their bright blooms may be featured in parades, floral arrangements, and as decoration in public celebrations.
- These flowers can also be used in photography projects both as the main subject or as a vivid backdrop due to their rich colors and large, intricate blooms.
- Used in educational settings, dahlia plants can help teach botany and horticulture principles due to their diverse growth patterns and chromosomal characteristics.
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's sophisticated bloom represents poise and dignity, making it a popular choice in floral arrangements meant to convey respect.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias often symbolize a lasting bond and commitment between two people, whether in friendship or love.
- Diversity and Uniqueness: With their wide range of colors and patterns, Dahlias are often used to celebrate diversity and individuality.
- Creative Expression: The varied shapes of Dahlia blooms are associated with innovation and creativity, making them a muse for artists and designers.
- Change and Transition: Because Dahlias bloom from midsummer to first frost, they are often linked with change and the ability to stand out brilliantly in life's transitions.
- Warning of Betrayal: In some historical contexts, Dahlias were given as a gesture of warning, to caution someone about an impending betrayal or deceit.
WaterDahlias, including the Dahlia 'Mary's Jomanda', typically require consistent moisture during the growing season. Water them deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time, which correlates to approximately 0.5 to 1 gallons for each plant, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. It is crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the peak of summer, you may need to increase the frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Ensure that the plant has good drainage as dahlias are prone to root rot if left in waterlogged soil.
LightDahlias thrive in a location with full sunlight, where they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The Dahlia 'Mary's Jomanda' would perform best in a spot that is sheltered from strong winds but still receives ample sunlight. Avoid planting them in full shade as this will inhibit their growth and flowering.
TemperatureDahlia 'Mary's Jomanda' grows well in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F, which are ideal for dahlias. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F but growth will be slower. It’s important to plant them after the danger of frost has passed, as temperatures below 32°F can damage or kill the plant. Dahlias prefer a mild temperature and do not tolerate extreme heat very well.
PruningPruning dahlias, such as Dahlia 'Mary's Jomanda', is important for maintaining plant health and encouraging prolific blooming. Pinch out the growing tips when the plants are about 12 to 16 inches tall to promote bushiness. Throughout the growing season, regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Prune back the entire plant after the first frost in fall when the foliage has turned brown.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix for 'Mary's Jomanda' dahlias contains equal parts of garden soil, peat, and perlite to ensure drainage and fertility. It's essential to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingDahlias, including 'Mary's Jomanda', do not need frequent repotting as they are typically grown as annuals. However, if grown from tubers, they should be planted annually in fresh soil after the last frost in spring once the soil has warmed up.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Mary's Jomanda' prefer moderate humidity conditions; they do not thrive in overly humid environments. Average room humidity is suitable, but ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and stake stems.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot after frost; rich, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Mary's Jomanda' begins its life cycle when a tuber is planted in the ground after the last frost, during spring. It germinates and sprouts to produce a stem, leaves, and roots, marking the vegetative growth phase. As the plant matures, buds develop and eventually bloom into vibrant flowers during the summer and fall, which is the reproductive stage. After flowering, if pollinated, the plant can produce seeds, although dahlias are commonly propagated through tuber division. With the onset of colder weather in the late fall or early winter, the plant enters dormancy; the aerial parts die back, and the tuber remains underground. The cycle begins anew in the next spring when the tuber can be replanted or divided to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Dahlia 'Mary's Jomanda' is a tuberous variety of dahlias that is most commonly propagated through division. The best time to divide dahlia tubers is in the spring when the soil is workable but before the new growth starts, typically after any danger of frost has passed. To propagate by division, gently lift the clump of dahlia tubers out of the ground and brush off any excess soil. Look for the natural divisions between the tubers, ensuring that each section has at least one eye or growth point from which the new shoots will emerge. Carefully separate the tubers by hand or with a sharp knife that has been disinfected to prevent the spread of disease. Once divided, let the cut surfaces dry for a day or two before planting them in well-draining soil. This method has the advantage of preserving the genetic traits of 'Mary's Jomanda', ensuring that the new plants will be true to the parent's characteristics.
