Dahlia Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' (S-c/dwb)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' is adorned with striking blooms that boast a unique blend of colors. Each flower features an array of soft pink petals that can sometimes display hints of a deeper rosy hue, creating a captivating gradient effect. These petals are arranged in a tight, orderly fashion, radiating from the center of the flower. The blossoms have a fuller appearance, which is characteristic of certain dahlia varieties, offering a lush and delicate visual appeal. The structure of the dahlia plant itself is upright with sturdy stems that provide a solid foundation for the showy flowers. The foliage is typically a vibrant green, which contrasts beautifully with the pink of the flowers. The leaves are shaped with gentle serrations along the edges, adding to the plant's overall texture and lushness. Throughout its blooming season, 'Piper's Pink' can be seen covered in these gorgeous flowers, creating a stunning display of vibrant pinks against the backdrop of green leaves. Overall, Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' is a celebration of color and form, with its flowers being the main attraction for onlookers and garden enthusiasts alike. Its magnificent blooms and complementary foliage combine to present a plant that is truly a joy to behold in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia, Georgina
Common names
Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' (S-c/dwb).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the variety 'Piper's Pink', are not considered to be toxic to humans. Consequently, ingesting dahlia plants typically does not lead to poisoning or serious health issues. However, it's always advisable for individuals to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Dahlias, such as 'Piper's Pink', are generally considered safe and non-toxic to pets including dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of the dahlia plant should not result in poisoning or severe health consequences for pets. However, as with humans, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, so it is recommended to keep an eye on pets to prevent them from nibbling on ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (91-122 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8-10
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes with its pretty pink flowers.
- Biodiversity: Supports local ecosystems by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden designs, including borders, beds, and containers.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are excellent for cutting and creating floral arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides late summer to fall interest when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being relatively easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cultural Significance: Often used in celebrations and festivals due to its vibrant flowers and diverse forms.
- Soil Adaptability: Capable of thriving in a range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: The vibrant hues of the Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' can serve as a muse for painters and textile designers, inspiring color palettes and patterns for creative works.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: Petals of Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' can be boiled and turned into natural dyes for fabric, offering a range of pink shades depending on concentration and duration of exposure.
- Photography Sessions: These blossoms make for a stunning photographic subject, either as a focal point in macro photography or as a soft, colorful backdrop for portrait sessions.
- Crafting Flowers: The petals and heads of dahlias can be dried and used in crafting, such as making paper or decorating homemade cards and scrapbooks.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible varieties of dahlias can be used to adorn cakes and desserts, providing an organic and attractive garnish that is also safe to consume.
- Educational Tools: Dahlias can be used in botanical studies and horticultural classes to teach about plant taxonomy, breeding, and hybridization techniques.
- Garden Photography Workshops: The striking appearance of Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' makes it an excellent subject for teaching garden photography techniques in workshops.
- Living Displays: These dahlias can be strategically placed and grown to create dynamic living art installations in public gardens or parks.
- Therapeutic Hobbies: Gardening with dahlias can serve as a therapeutic activity, promoting relaxation and mindfulness as one nurtures the blooms from tuber to flower.
- Ephemeral Jewelry: Fresh or dried dahlia petals and blooms can be incorporated into the making of ephemeral, natural jewelry pieces, such as necklaces and earrings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlias are not specifically referenced in traditional Feng Shui practice, but in general, pink flowers like Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' can be used to enhance love and marriage luck due to their color. They can be placed in the Southwest sector of the garden or home to attract positive chi related to relationships.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: The intricate petals of the Dahlia symbolize a composed grace and sophistication.
- Change and Diversity: With its wide range of colors and forms, the Dahlia represents embracing change and diversity in life.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are often associated with long-term commitments and bonds, as they are perennial plants that return every year.
- Inner Strength: The Dahlia can bloom in a variety of conditions, representing an ability to withstand challenging circumstances.
- Creative Spirit: The unique and vivid appearance of the Dahlia suggests a burst of creativity and inspiration.
WaterDahlia 'Piper's Pink', commonly known as just Dahlia, should be watered deeply to encourage strong root growth; however, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Typically, watering once or twice a week is sufficient, but this can vary based on climate and weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary, amounting to about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant each week. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases, and instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightDahlias thrive in a position with full sun exposure for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Choose a spot in the garden that receives direct sunlight throughout the day to encourage optimal bloom production. Avoid placing Dahlias in areas that are overly shaded, as this can hinder their growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureDahlias perform best in temperatures that range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit but are not frost-hardy. Protecting Dahlias from temperatures below 50 degrees is crucial, as they can be damaged by frost; therefore, they are often grown as perennials in warm climates or as annuals in colder regions.
PruningPruning encourages Dahlias to produce more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season stimulates new growth and extends blooming. Cut back the stems to the nearest set of leaves to promote bushier plants. The best time to prune is after the main flowering period, generally late summer into fall, before the plant goes dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer well-draining soil with rich organic matter. A mix of loam, peat, and sand with added compost is ideal for Dahlia 'Piper's Pink'. The best pH for this type of dahlia is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0.
RepottingDahlias, including 'Piper's Pink', should be repotted annually. They are typically replanted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, using fresh potting soil to provide nutrients and support growth.
Humidity & MistingDahlias thrive in moderate humidity levels but do not require high humidity. The best humidity level for Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' is between 40-60%, which is typical of outdoor environments in their growing season.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, consistent moisture, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, rich soil, after frost risk passes.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' begins with a dormant tuber, which breaks dormancy in spring as temperatures rise. New shoots emerge from the tuber and develop into a robust plant with lush foliage. Throughout summer, the plant grows and starts to bloom, displaying large, vibrant pink flowers with striking form. After flowering from mid-summer through to the first frosts, the plant sets seeds that can be collected if not deadheaded. As the cooler temperatures of late autumn arrive, the above-ground parts of the dahlia begin to die back, and the plant prepares to re-enter a period of dormancy. During winter, the tuber remains dormant underground, storing energy until the cycle restarts the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Piper's Pink' is through division of its tuberous roots. This should be done in early spring just as the shoots begin to emerge from the tubers. Each division should contain at least one eye, which is a point on the tuber from where new growth will sprout. Carefully slice the tuber into sections using a sharp, clean knife, making sure each piece has at least one eye. After cutting, it's beneficial to let the cut surfaces dry for a day or two to form a callus, which helps to prevent rot when planted. The divisions can then be planted directly into the garden, in well-drained soil, at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm). Properly spaced, they will grow into a full plant and bloom in the coming season.
