Dahlia Dahlia 'Oakwood Bridesmaid' (C)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Oakwood Bridesmaid' is a captivating perennial known for its striking blooms. The flowers of this variety exhibit a beautiful blend of colors, often a soft pink to lavender shade, with subtle variations that can include hints of creamy white to a more intense pink or even purplish hues. The petals are typically arranged in a formal decorative pattern, which is dense and full, giving each flowerhead a substantial and lush appearance. The petals themselves are ruffled or slightly curled at the edges, contributing to the flower's delicate and intricate texture. The center of the bloom often displays a different shade, with the petal base sometimes being a deeper tone, creating a lovely contrast that highlights the layered arrangement of the petals. The foliage of the Dahlia 'Oakwood Bridesmaid' is deep green, providing a striking backdrop for the blooms. The leaves are typically pinnate with leaflets arranged oppositely along the stem, and they have a slightly serrated margin. The contrast between the vibrant greens of the leaves and the pastel colors of the flowers makes this plant stand out beautifully in any garden setting. Overall, the appearance of Dahlia 'Oakwood Bridesmaid' is one of elegance and charm. Its blooms are the highlight, drawing the eye and often becoming the centerpiece of a garden during its flowering season. The plant's ability to produce such magnificent blooms with rich and varying tones makes it a sought-after variety for gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Oakwood Bridesmaid'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are not considered toxic to humans. There is typically no concern for poisoning if ingested, and there are no well-documented symptoms of dahlia poisoning in humans. Therefore, consuming dahlias is unlikely to cause harm, though it is not recommended.
To pets
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to pets, including both dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of the plant should not lead to serious poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in some pets. If your pet has ingested dahlia and is showing symptoms, consult your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Dahlias are known for their vibrant colors and stunning flowers which can add to the aesthetic value of any garden or landscape.
- Variety of Uses: Perfect for borders, container gardening, and as cut flowers due to their lengthy vase life.
- Pollinator Attraction: Dahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Ease of Cultivation: Suitable for gardeners at various levels of expertise, as they can be relatively easy to grow with the right conditions.
- Long Blooming: Dahlias have a generous blooming period that extends from midsummer to the first frost, providing long-lasting garden color.
- Propagation: Tubers can be divided to propagate new plants, making them a cost-effective option for expanding the garden.
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 substitute for potatoes in cooking; they have a similar texture when cooked and provide a source of carbohydrates.
- When dried and grounded, dahlia tubers can be turned into a gluten-free flour alternative for baking purposes.
- Dahlia plants can be planted in agricultural fields as trap crops to lure pests away from valuable crops, serving as a natural form of pest management.
- The sturdy stems of dahlias can be used in floral art and design classes to teach students about flower arrangement and support structures.
- Dahlia petals are edible and can be used to add color and a mild flavor to salads or as an elegant garnish for desserts and cocktails.
- The vibrant colors of dahlias make them useful in natural dyeing processes for fabrics, yarns, and paper, creating a range of hues from the different colored flowers.
- In photography, dahlias can be used as a subject matter to explore macro photography techniques and experiment with depth of field and composition.
- The principle of Fibonacci sequence and geometric patterns in nature can be demonstrated using the intricate arrangement of dahlia petals in educational settings.
- During the breeding and selection process, dahlia petals can be used to study genetics and the principles of hybridization and inheritance in botany classes.
- Dahlias can be included in sensory gardens for their varied textures and colors, which provide a tactile and visual experience for visitors, particularly beneficial for those with sensory processing disorders.
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 'Oakwood Bridesmaid' exudes a sophisticated charm and self-respect, much like an elegantly dressed bridesmaid.
- Commitment and Bond: Named with the bridal theme in mind, it symbolizes the everlasting bond formed in marriage and the commitment between partners.
- Diversity and Variety: Dahlias come in a wide range of colors and forms, representing the diversity of human experience and the variety of our personal journeys.
- Change and Adaptability: As dahlias bloom throughout the season, they are a testament to our ability to adapt to changes and the transient nature of life.
WaterDahlias require a consistent watering schedule, especially during their growing season. For Dahlia 'Oakwood Bridesmaid,' water the soil thoroughly until moist but not waterlogged, typically two to three times a week depending on weather conditions. Aim to provide about one to two gallons of water per week during active growth. During hot, dry periods, you may need to increase the frequency to ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely. Always check the soil moisture before watering—dahlias prefer a balance, avoiding both over-watering and letting the soil dry out completely.
LightDahlias thrive in areas where they can receive full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. For the Dahlia 'Oakwood Bridesmaid,' choose a spot in your garden that gets direct sunlight for most of the day. If you live in a very hot climate, a little afternoon shade can help prevent the blooms from fading or scorching.
TemperatureDahlias grow best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, which are ideal for the Dahlia 'Oakwood Bridesmaid.' They can survive in temperatures as high as 90°F and as low as 50°F, but growth and flowering may be affected outside the ideal range. Protect the plant from frost, because temperatures below freezing can damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning Dahlias, including 'Oakwood Bridesmaid,' encourages a bushier plant and better blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continued blooming and cut back any damaged or diseased stems throughout the growing season. Prune the plants in late fall, after the first frost, by cutting the stems back to 2-4 inches above the ground level.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A good mix would consist of equal parts garden soil, peat moss or compost, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage. Amend the soil with a balanced slow-release fertilizer before planting.
RepottingDahlias typically do not need to be repotted annually as they are grown from tubers that are lifted and stored during the winter. Repot or divide tubers in the spring when you see new growth if they become too crowded or if you wish to propagate new plants.
Humidity & MistingDahlias are not particularly humidity-sensitive and thrive best in average outdoor humidity levels. They do not require special humidity considerations as long as their soil moisture needs are adequately met and the foliage is kept dry to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Dahlias need bright light and sizable pots indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, fertilize, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Dahlia 'Oakwood Bridesmaid,' commonly known as dahlia, begins with germination, where the tubers awaken from dormancy in response to warm temperatures and moist soil in spring. After sprouting, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase, developing stems, leaves, and a robust root system. Dahlias then progress to the budding stage, where flower buds form and prepare to bloom. The flowering stage follows, with dahlias showcasing their full blooms throughout summer and into the fall, attracting pollinators and sometimes setting viable seeds if pollination occurs. As temperatures drop in autumn, dahlias enter a senescence phase, with top growth dying back after the first frost. Finally, the tubers go dormant over winter, storing energy to repeat the cycle the following spring after being lifted and stored properly or protected in the ground with mulch in frost-free climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia 'Oakwood Bridesmaid' can be propagated successfully through the division of tubers, which is the most popular method. This is ideally done in the spring when the plant is starting to come out of dormancy but before it has started to actively grow. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of dahlia tubers after the frost has passed and the soil temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 degrees Celsius). Look for tubers that have at least one "eye," or growth point. Cut these tubers away from the main clump with a sharp, clean knife, ensuring that each division has at least one eye. Allow the cut surface to callous over for a day or two to prevent rot. Plant the tuber segments in well-draining soil with the eyes facing upwards, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep, and water them in. This method allows for the preservation of the specific characteristics of the 'Oakwood Bridesmaid' cultivar.
