Dahlia Dahlia 'Ossie Latham' (Sin)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Ossie Latham' is a stunningly beautiful flower with a vibrant play of colors. Its petals are arranged in a particularly orderly fashion that captivates the eye. You can expect to find blooms that boast a mixture of colors, often with shades of red, pink, or purple, which might blend or contrast against a lighter, creamy background. These petals sometimes exhibit gradients and may have pointed tips, creating a starburst-like effect, which is quite enchanting. The appearance of this Dahlia is further enhanced by its lush green foliage, which provides a rich contrast to the striking colors of the flowers. As the plant grows, it produces sturdy stems which support the large, showy flowers. These blooms are quite prominent and tend to be the focal point of the plant. They often attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding to the dynamic natural display in a garden setting. When in full bloom, 'Ossie Latham' makes a bold statement with its sizeable and colorful flowers that are characteristic of Dahlias. This plant is often used in garden beds or borders and is favored by gardeners and florists alike for its dramatic blooms that stand out in any floral arrangement or landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia 'Ossie Latham', Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Ossie Latham'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Ossie Latham', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some people might experience a mild skin irritation when handling dahlias, particularly if they have a sensitivity or allergy to the plant. Ingestion of the plant parts is not commonly associated with serious poisoning, but ingestion may potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. There are no profound toxic effects expected from eating dahlias.
To pets
Dahlias like the Dahlia 'Ossie Latham' are typically non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet were to ingest part of a dahlia plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset including vomiting, or diarrhea, particularly if they consume a large amount. However, the plant does not contain any known toxic principles that would cause severe poisoning or life-threatening symptoms in pets.
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
8-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Dahlia 'Ossie Latham' offers vibrant and colorful blooms that can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Variety of Uses: These dahlias can be used in flower beds, borders, and as cut flowers, offering versatility in gardening and floral design.
- Long Blooming Season: They have a long flowering period, from mid-summer until the first frost, providing continuous color in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlia 'Ossie Latham' is known for being relatively easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
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 produce a range of natural dyes for textiles. Different shades can be obtained by altering the mordant used in the dyeing process.
- Photography Prop: Dahlias, with their vivid colors and intricate petal structures, are popular subjects for photographers and can be used to enhance the composition of floral photography.
- Art Inspiration: The Dahlia's unique form and range of colors can provide inspiration for artists, serving as a model for botanical painting, drawing, or even sculptural work.
- Educational Tool: In botanical and gardening education, the Dahlia can be used to demonstrate plant growth, flower structures, and hybridization techniques.
- Edible Flowers: Although not a common practice, Dahlia petals are edible and can be used to add a splash of color to salads or as an edible garnish on plates.
- Floating Decorations: The blooms can be floated in bowls of water to create elegant centerpieces for events or as calming decorative elements in homes or spas.
- Petal Confetti: Dried petals of the Dahlia can serve as biodegradable confetti for weddings or other celebrations, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic confetti.
- Culinary Decoration: Dahlia flowers can decorate cakes and pastries, adding a touch of natural beauty and sophistication to desserts.
- Bee Forage: Dahlias can provide a source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, aiding in the support of local ecosystems.
- Craft Material: The sturdy stems and colorful flowers of the Dahlia can be used in creating floral crafts such as wreaths, garlands, or even homemade potpourri.
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: Dahlia flowers are known for their intricate petals and striking beauty, which often symbolize the wearer's grace and composure.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are often associated with long-lasting bonds and commitments, making them a popular choice for gifting to signify a lasting relationship or friendship.
- Change and Diversity: With their wide range of colors and forms, dahlias symbolize diversity and embracing change.
- Inner Strength: The dahlia's ability to bloom in a variety of conditions represents resilience and the strength within to withstand challenges.
- Creativity: The myriad of colors and shapes of dahlias can signify creativity and inspiration, often given to wish someone a burst of creative energy.
WaterDahlias require consistent moisture especially during their growing season. For Dahlia 'Ossie Latham', water deeply to hydrate the roots, with about 1 to 2 gallons per week, depending on weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease and bloom damage. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall.
LightDahlias thrive in a spot with full sun exposure, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. For Dahlia 'Ossie Latham', choose a location that receives unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. This will ensure optimal flowering and plant health.
TemperatureDahlias prefer a temperate climate and Dahlia 'Ossie Latham' is no exception; it does best with daytime temperatures around 70°F to 75°F. They can tolerate temperatures up to 90°F but not sustained high heat. Dahlias are sensitive to frost, thus the temperature should stay above 50°F for the plants to grow well.
PruningPruning Dahlias, like 'Ossie Latham', promotes strong, bushy growth and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tips once the plant reaches about 16 inches tall. Throughout the season, deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming. The best time to prune is in early summer when the plants are starting their active growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Dahlia 'Ossie Latham', a fertile, well-draining soil mix is best, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or peat moss and ensure good drainage with perlite or vermiculite.
RepottingDahlia 'Ossie Latham' should be repotted after blooming ends and the tubers are dormant, typically every year to replenish the soil and divide the tubers if necessary.
Humidity & MistingDahlia 'Ossie Latham' prefers moderate humidity levels; excessive humidity can promote fungal diseases, so ensure good air circulation around the plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good air flow, and consistent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil after frost threat.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlias, including the 'Ossie Latham' cultivar, begin their life as tubers, which are planted in the spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed. The tubers sprout and grow stalks and leaves as they draw nutrients from the soil. Throughout the growing season, Dahlias bloom, producing the distinctive and colorful flowers they are known for; 'Ossie Latham' will showcase its particular flower characteristics during this phase. After flowering, the plant begins to yellow and die back as the weather cools and the first frost approaches. The tubers can be left in the ground in warmer climates but are often dug up in colder regions and stored for the winter in a cool, dry place to prevent freezing. The following spring, the stored tubers can be replanted, completing the life cycle and starting the process anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Dahlia 'Ossie Latham' is through division of the tubers, which is typically done in spring just before the new growth starts. When the eyes on the tubers begin to sprout, it's an indicator that they are ready to be divided. To propagate by division, a sharp, clean knife should be used to cut the tuber clump into pieces, ensuring that each piece has at least one eye from which new growth can emerge. The freshly cut pieces should be allowed to dry for a day or two to form a callus over the cuts, which helps prevent disease. After that, the tuber pieces can be planted about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (about 45 to 60 centimeters) apart, to allow for ample growing space. This method is efficient because it helps to maintain the genetic identity of 'Ossie Latham' dahlias, ensuring that the new plants will display the same characteristics as the parent.
