Dahlia Dahlia 'Phill's Pink' (D)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Phill's Pink' is an ornamental garden plant known for its lush and vibrant appearance. This variety showcases a stunning display of large, beautifully formed flowers. The blooms are characterized by their unique and arresting shade of pink, which can range from a soft pastel to a more vivid deep pink, creating an eye-catching appeal in any garden setting. The petals of the Dahlia 'Phill's Pink' are strikingly arranged in a pattern that can vary from tightly formal to more gracefully informal, providing an exquisite sense of dimension and texture. These flowers often exhibit a full, rounded look, with the numerous petals contributing to their showy and elegant presence. Each petal is smooth and may exhibit subtle variations in color intensity, lending the blooms a delightful radiance and depth. The foliage of the 'Phill's Pink' dahlia forms an attractive backdrop to the sensational flowers, with rich green leaves that are distinct in shape. The leaves typically have a pointed appearance and are arranged neatly along the firm stems, adding to the overall lushness of the plant. In essence, Dahlia 'Phill's Pink' is celebrated for its large and opulent blooms that can instantly become the centerpiece of a garden with their luxurious and charming pink hues, complemented by the verdant and healthy foliage that underpins the visual spectacle of its flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia, Georgina
Common names
Dahlia 'Phill's Pink'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the 'Phill's Pink' variety, are not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of a dahlia plant is unlikely to cause poisoning or harmful symptoms.
To pets
Dahlias are generally safe for pets as well, with the 'Phill's Pink' variety posing no particular toxicity. If a pet ingests part of a dahlia plant, it is not expected to show symptoms of poisoning. However, consumption of any non-food plant material can occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlias provide nectar and pollen which attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias like 'Phill's Pink' have a long flowering period from midsummer until the first frosts, providing continuous color and interest.
- Great for Cut Flowers: With their vibrant colors and sturdy stems, dahlias are excellent choices for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Variety of Uses: Dahlias are versatile and can be used in borders, container gardens, and as focal points in a landscape.
- Improves Garden Aesthetics: Dahlias add a stunning visual impact to the garden with their range of sizes, shapes, and vibrant colors.
- Easy to Grow: While they require some care, dahlias are relatively easy to grow and are suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Propagating Opportunity: Dahlia tubers can be divided to propagate new plants, making them cost-effective and easy to share with fellow gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: Due to its vibrant pink color and striking appearance, dahlia 'Phill's Pink' can be a popular choice for photographers seeking to capture the beauty of flowers in their natural environment or as part of a styled composition.
- Art and illustration inspiration: Artists and illustrators may use the dahlia as a reference to create beautiful works of art, from watercolor paintings to detailed botanical illustrations.
- Fabric design: The distinct appearance of dahlia 'Phill's Pink' can inspire patterns and motifs used in textile design, leading to unique garments and home decor items.
- Wedding decor: Its romantic pink hue makes dahlia 'Phill's Pink' an ideal choice for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations, adding a touch of elegance to the special day.
- Cultural festivals: In certain cultures or localities, dahlias may be featured in parades or festivals as a symbol of local flora, community pride, or gardening achievements.
- Educational plant biology: Dahlia 'Phill's Pink' can serve as a specimen for educational purposes in schools or botanical gardens to teach about plant growth, botany, and horticulture.
- Plant competitions: Gardeners might enter dahlia 'Phill's Pink' into plant or flower shows for judging based on criteria like size, color, and form, fostering a spirit of horticultural excellence.
- Gastronomic presentations: Some high-end restaurants may use edible varieties of dahlias, including 'Phill's Pink', as an exotic and attractive garnish to enhance the presentation of their dishes, although it's important to note that not all dahlias are edible.
- Eco-friendly confetti: The petals of the dahlia 'Phill's Pink', when dried, can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at events like weddings or parties.
- Color inspiration: The hue of dahlia 'Phill's Pink' may spark creative color combinations and can be incorporated into interior design projects to create inviting and lively living spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Grace under Pressure: Dahlias, with their structured blooms and sturdy stems, symbolize composure and poise, particularly when facing challenging circumstances. 'Phill's Pink,' with its soft color, reinforces this meaning with a gentle touch.
- Dignity: The dahlia's elegant appearance conveys a sense of dignity and the ability to stand tall with self-respect.
- Creativity: Seen as a source of creative inspiration, dahlias represent the idea that beauty can be an expression of imagination. The unique pink hue of 'Phill's Pink' may especially be linked to this symbolic meaning.
- Change and Variety: With dahlias coming in many colors and forms, they are often associated with diversity, change, and variety, echoing life's constant flux.
- Commitment and Bond That Lasts Forever: Dahlias are perennial plants, which come back year after year, symbolizing a long-lasting bond and the idea of an enduring commitment.
- Warning or Betrayal: Some cultures associate dahlias with a sense of betrayal or a sign of warning, perhaps due to their dramatic appearance contrasting their surroundings.
WaterDahlias require consistent moisture, so the dahlia 'Phill's Pink' should be watered deeply two to three times a week, depending on weather conditions. Water with about 1 to 2 gallons of water per week ensuring the soil is damp but not saturated. It's critical to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. The best method is to water at the base of the plant early in the morning, which allows foliage to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of disease.
LightDahlias thrive in a sunny location, and the dahlia 'Phill's Pink' needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth and blooming. An ideal spot would be where the plant can receive morning sunlight and some partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon to protect it from intense sun.
TemperatureThe dahlia 'Phill's Pink' prefers a temperate climate, with ideal growing temperatures between 60 and 75°F. They can withstand temperatures up to 90°F, but prolonged heat can stress the plant. Ensure the temperature does not drop below 50°F, as dahlias are sensitive to frost; wait to plant them until all danger of frost has passed in the spring.
PruningPruning dahlias like 'Phill's Pink' involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage further blooming and cutting back stems to maintain plant shape. Prune or pinch the young plants to promote bushiness. The best time to prune is late summer before the first frost, cutting back stems to a few inches above the soil after the plant dies back naturally.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Dahlia 'Phill's Pink' should be well-draining with a rich loamy or sandy composition; a good mix could be 2 parts loam to 1 part peat to 1 part perlite or sand. Dahlias prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. Regularly adding organic matter will help maintain soil fertility.
RepottingDahlia 'Phill's Pink' typically doesn't need frequent repotting as they are grown from tubers each year. After the growing season, tubers are lifted, stored during winter, and replanted in the spring; thus, they are 'repotted' annually.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Phill's Pink' prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and do not require specific humidity conditions; they grow well in the average ambient humidity found in most outdoor garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and large pots for indoor growing.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, after last frost.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Dahlia 'Phill's Pink' begins with a tuber planted in well-drained soil after the last frost in spring. It quickly sprouts stems and leaves as it enters the vegetative growth phase, requiring sun, water, and nutrients to develop a robust foliage structure. During the flowering stage, which occurs in the summer and autumn, 'Phill's Pink' produces its characteristic large, vibrant pink blossoms that attract pollinators and gardeners alike. After the flowering period and as temperatures drop, the plant enters a dormancy stage; the aerial parts die back, and the tuber survives underground through the winter. Gardeners usually lift the tubers to overwinter them in a cool, frost-free location, marking the end of the annual lifecycle. With the return of warmer weather the next spring, the stored tubers can be replanted, giving rise to new growth and completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia 'Phill's Pink' is commonly propagated during late winter to spring, right before new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation for dahlias is through tuber division, which involves separating the tuberous roots. To propagate by tuber division, a clump of dahlia tubers is gently dug up after the foliage has been killed by frost. The tubers are then carefully broken apart, ensuring that each division has at least one eye or bud from which new growth can emerge. These divisions are typically left to dry for a few days before being planted in well-draining soil, about 4 to 6 inches deep (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters). With proper care, these new divisions will grow into healthy 'Phill's Pink' dahlia plants.
