Dahlia Dahlia 'Peach Cupid' (Ba)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Peach Cupid' is a captivating variety of Dahlia that features distinctive flower heads with a soft palette of colors. The blossoms of this plant are noted for their unique peach to pinkish hues that can give the overall appearance of a warm, gentle gradient. The petals are arranged in a decorative fashion, often possessing a slightly ruffled or wavy edge that contributes to their fluffy, full look. The blooms can be described as having a pompon or ball-like shape, showcasing layers of intricate petals that come together in a circular, almost spherical form. The center of each flower is typically more densely packed with petals, creating an eye-catching contrast with the looser outer layers. Foliage on the Dahlia 'Peach Cupid' is typically a deep green, providing a lush background that emphasizes the beauty of the blooms. The leaves themselves are shaped with pointed tips and may have serrated edges, their surfaces displaying prominent veining that adds to the texture of the plant. The overall appearance of this Dahlia cultivar is one of elegance and soft charm, with its blooms often used as eye-catching elements in garden designs or as stunning cut flowers for arrangements. Its warm, peachy pink flowers are a draw for both garden enthusiasts and pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding both aesthetic and ecological value to outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Peach Cupid Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Peach Cupid' (Ba)
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the 'Peach Cupid' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants, as they are not intended for consumption. If ingested in large quantities, they might cause mild stomach upset, but such instances are quite rare.
To pets
Dahlias, such as the 'Peach Cupid,' are not known to be toxic to pets. They are generally considered safe around animals, and there is no widespread documentation of pets being poisoned by consuming dahlias. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if ingested in large amounts.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Peach
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Provides Aesthetic Appeal - Dahlia 'Peach Cupid' adds vibrant color and a unique shape to gardens with its beautiful peach-colored blooms.
- Attracts Pollinators - The flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators that are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
- Excellent Cut Flowers - These dahlias have long stems and a long vase life, making them perfect for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Varied Landscaping Uses - Can be used in borders, beds, and containers, offering versatility in garden design.
- Seasonal Interest - Typically blooms from midsummer to first frost, providing extended interest in 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 'Peach Cupid' can be used as a natural dye source, imparting peachy or soft orange hues to textiles, depending on the mordant used.
- The petals of these dahlias can be pressed or dried to create decorative elements for crafts, like greeting cards or bookmarks.
- As an edible flower, dahlias can be crystallized with egg whites and sugar to create edible decorations for desserts.
- These flowers can be used in floral photography to practice macro photography techniques due to their intricate petal structures.
- The Dahlia can serve as a learning tool for botany students studying hybridization and breeding due to their assorted colors and forms.
- Dahlia petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, providing a subtle fragrance and a splash of color.
- The striking appearance of the Dahlia can make it ideal for fashion design inspiration, influencing textures and color schemes for garments.
- Landscape artists can use dahlias as reference to study the effects of light and shadow on rounded forms and vibrant colors.
- In floristry classes, the Dahlia 'Peach Cupid' can be used to teach students about balance and aesthetics in bouquet-making and floral arrangements.
- Culinary artists can use dahlia blooms to infuse sugars and syrups with a subtle flavor and decorative appeal for high-end cuisine presentations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: The dahlia is regarded as a symbol of poise and grace, reflecting its intricate petals and stature.
- Change and Variety: With its myriad forms and colors, dahlias represent diversity and the embrace of change.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlia flowers are often associated with lasting bonds and commitments, reflecting the plant's perennial nature.
- Creative Expression: The diverse and vivid appearance of the dahlia symbolizes a burst of creativity and the encouragement of artistic pursuits.
- Inner Strength: The flower's robust structure and ability to thrive in various conditions illustrate the notion of inner fortitude.
- Warning: In Victorian flower language, the dahlia was sometimes associated with a sense of warning or caution, due to its dramatic presence.
- Wealth and Prosperity: The full-bodied bloom of the dahlia can symbolize a wish for prosperity and richness in one's life.
WaterDahlias, including the 'Peach Cupid', should be watered deeply at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Aim for a thorough watering about 2-3 times a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During peak blooming season, they may require more frequent watering, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Provide about 1-2 gallons per plant each time you water, depending on the soil's moisture level and the plant's size. Adjust the watering schedule based on rainfall to avoid overwatering.
LightDahlias such as 'Peach Cupid' thrive in full sun, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ideal planting spots are open areas away from large trees or buildings that can cast shade on the plant. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates to prevent scorching, but generally, more sun equals better growth and more blooms.
TemperatureDahlias like 'Peach Cupid' prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can survive in temperatures ranging from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not frost-tolerant and should be planted after the danger of spring frost has passed. Ideal growing conditions will have warm days and cool nights, with consistent temperatures fostering the best bloom development.
PruningPruning dahlias like 'Peach Cupid' encourages better growth and larger blooms. Pinch back the main stem when the plant is about 12 inches tall to promote bushier growth. Throughout the blooming season, regularly deadhead spent flowers to stimulate new blooms. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp tools to prevent damage to the plant. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Peach Cupid' prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Amend with compost to provide nutrients.
RepottingDahlias should be repotted annually, usually in the spring. Dahlia 'Peach Cupid' tubers should be lifted after frost has killed the foliage, stored for winter, and replanted after the danger of frost has passed.
Humidity & MistingDahlias thrive in moderate humidity levels. Dahlia 'Peach Cupid' does not require any special humidity considerations and will perform well in the average outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Dahlias in pots with ample sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun after frost, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Peach Cupid' begins its life cycle as a tuber planted after the last frost when the soil has warmed sufficiently. It sprouts and develops a strong stem with lush foliage as temperatures rise in late spring to early summer. Flower buds form and bloom into large, vibrant peach-colored flowers during the mid to late summer, attracting pollinators. As autumn approaches, flowering diminishes and the plant begins to die back with the first frosts. The tubers can be dug up, stored in a cool, frost-free environment during winter, and replanted the following spring. If left in the ground in certain milder climates, the tubers may overwinter and regrow the following year, starting the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Peach Cupid' is by division of tubers, which is typically done in the spring after the danger of frost has passed but before the new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of tubers from the ground using a spade, ensuring that each division has at least one eye or bud from which new growth can emerge. Cut the tubers apart with a sharp, clean knife, making sure each piece contains at least one eye. Allow the cut surfaces to dry and callous over for a day or two to prevent rot. Plant the divisions about 6 to 8 inches deep (15 to 20 centimeters) and water them well to establish. This method is favored for its ability to produce exact clones of the parent plant, thus preserving its unique characteristics.
