Dahlia Dahlia 'Pooh - Swan Island' (Col)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Pooh - Swan Island' is a striking and vibrant addition to any garden, known for its distinctive flowers and lush foliage. This plant produces flowers that are a playful combination of color, featuring golden-yellow petals tipped and streaked with red, creating a fiery, sunset-like appearance. The blooms are semi-double, meaning that they have multiple rows of petals but not so many as to obscure the center of the flower, allowing for a glimpse at the underlying structure and inviting pollinators. The petals are arranged in a somewhat orderly fashion, giving the flower a cheerful and daisy-like appearance with a whimsical flair. These petals radiate from a central disc, which typically houses the reproductive parts of the flower and is a focal point for bees and other beneficial insects that help pollination. Surrounding the flamboyant blooms, the plant boasts deep green foliage that serves as a rich backdrop, highlighting the warm tones of the flowers. The leaves are typically shaped with pointed tips and serrated edges, adding texture and interest to the overall appearance of the plant. As a variety of Dahlia, 'Pooh - Swan Island' fits into the broader family known for its diversity in flower color, shape, and size, offering a delightful array that can complement a wide range of garden designs and color schemes. Given proper care and attention, this plant can produce its stunning blossoms continuously throughout the growing season, adding a continuous burst of color to any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Pooh - Swan Island' has no scientific synonyms; its basic scientific name is Dahlia 'Pooh - Swan Island' (Col).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the 'Pooh' cultivar, are not considered toxic to humans. Typically, ingestion of dahlia parts does not result in poisoning or serious health consequences. However, it's always prudent to not eat ornamental plants due to potential pesticide applications or individual allergic reactions.
To pets
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. While they are not known to cause serious illness or fatalities, ingestion of dahlia plants might result in mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some pets, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Care should be taken to discourage pets from chewing on plants to prevent any potential discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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: Dahlia 'Pooh' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Decorative Blooms: This plant offers vibrant, two-toned flowers that can be used to beautify gardens and landscapes.
- Variety of Uses: Its flowers are suitable for cut flower arrangements, adding aesthetic value indoors.
- Improves Biodiversity: Introducing Dahlias to a garden can help increase the variety of plant species present.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlia 'Pooh' is known for being relatively easy to cultivate, suitable for gardeners of varying experience levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late summer to frost, providing color and interest during these seasons.
- Edible Parts: Some parts of Dahlias are edible, with the tubers being consumed in some cultures, adding a diverse element to 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- The petals of dahlia flowers, like the Dahlia 'Pooh', can be used to create a colorful, natural dye for fabrics or craft projects. The diverse hues lend themselves to a spectrum of artistic possibilities.
- Dahlia tubers are known to be edible when cooked properly, although not commonly consumed, they can serve as a survival food or an interesting addition to gourmet cuisine.
- Some cultures use dahlias in religious or ceremonial decorations, adorning altars and spaces with their bold colors to signify various spiritual meanings or intentions.
- Dahlias can be used as a natural pest deterrent in gardens, as some varieties are known to repel certain insects and wildlife that might otherwise harm vegetable crops.
- The sturdy stems and vibrant blooms of dahlias make them an excellent choice for creating living walls or vertical gardens, adding aesthetic appeal to urban environments.
- As a science education tool, dahlias can be used to demonstrate principles of plant growth, hybridization, and genetics due to their varied and vibrant forms.
- In floral art, deconstructed dahlias can serve as individual pieces for detailed and delicate designs, utilizing petals, pistils, and stamens.
- Dahlia flowers may be utilized in perfumery, capturing their mild fragrance to create unique floral scents or enhancing the olfactory profile of artisanal perfumes.
- The blooms can also serve as inspiration for artists and designers, offering a beautiful subject for paintings, textiles, and decorative motifs.
- Dahlia flowers are also excellent for practicing macro photography due to their intricate petal structures and vivid colors, helping photographers to hone their skills.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Dignity and Elegance: Dahlias carry a sense of poise and respectability, making them symbolic of one's commitment to stand out with grace amidst life's challenges.
- Creativity: With their rich variety of colors and patterns, dahlias are often associated with innovation and inspiration, suggestive of an inner spark and originality.
- Change and Variety: The diverse forms and colors of dahlias represent embracing change positively and finding excitement in life's variety.
- Commitment and Bond: Given as gifts, dahlias symbolize a lasting bond and lifelong commitment between two people, often in a romantic context.
- Warning or Betrayal: In some traditions, dahlias can also represent a warning of betrayal or instability, reflecting the flower's varied symbolism.
WaterDahlias require regular watering, especially during dry periods. For the 'Pooh' variety, a deep watering two to three times a week is recommended, depending on the weather conditions. The goal is to provide the plants with about an inch of water each week, which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons per square yard. Water early in the morning, at the base of the plant, to allow the foliage to dry during the day and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering to keep the flowers and foliage dry.
LightDahlias thrive in a location with full sun exposure, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The 'Pooh' Dahlia benefits from morning sunlight and some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Avoid planting them in heavily shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.
TemperatureDahlias, including the 'Pooh' variety, prefer a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F for ideal growth. They can tolerate a maximum temperature of up to 90°F but will need extra care and watering in these conditions. The minimum temperature for dahlias is just above freezing; prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32°F can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningPruning dahlias, including the 'Pooh' variety, is done to promote healthy growth and enhance flowering. Prune back the main stem to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers regularly will also promote continuous blooming. The best time to start pruning is once the plant has reached about a foot in height; at this point, pinch out the growing tip to encourage branching.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Dahlias like 'Pooh - Swan Island' consists of a well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. A slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal for optimal growth and blooming.
RepottingDahlias, including the 'Pooh - Swan Island' variety, do not need frequent repotting as they are typically grown from tubers that are planted annually. However, tubers should be lifted and stored during winter in colder climates and can be divided every 2-3 years to promote vigorous growth.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Pooh - Swan Island' prefer moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate some variation in humidity, but excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so it's important to ensure good air circulation around the plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, proper watering, and sturdy support.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, after frost risk.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Dahlia 'Pooh - Swan Island' begins with the planting of tubers, or division of established plants, in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. During the growing phase, the dahlia plant develops a strong stem and a foliage system, entering into a vegetative stage where greens expand to absorb sunlight and nutrients from the soil. Following this, the flower buds form and then bloom, showcasing bright flowers in red and yellow, typically from mid-summer to early autumn. As the plant matures, it continues to develop new blooms while the older flowers fade and can be deadheaded to encourage further flowering. After the first frost in autumn, the plant enters a dormancy phase, where the above-ground portion dies back and the tubers can be dug up, stored for the winter, and replanted the following spring. Throughout its life cycle, the dahlia 'Pooh' may also produce seeds, though propagation is more commonly done through the division of tubers for consistent characteristics.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Pooh - Swan Island' is by division of tubers. This typically occurs in spring, just before the last frost date when the soil is workable. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the tuber clumps and gently wash off soil to make the individual tubers visible. Each section should have at least one eye from which new growth will sprout. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut the tubers into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one eye. Allow the cuts to dry and callous over for a day or two to reduce the risk of rot. Plant the tuber sections about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep in well-drained soil, with the eyes facing upwards. After planting, water the tubers thoroughly to settle the soil around them.
