Dahlia Dahlia 'Rip City' (S-c)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Rip City' showcases an alluring visual display with its deeply saturated burgundy blooms. The flowers are voluptuous and fully double, exuding a sense of opulence and drama. Each petal is evenly and tightly arranged in a symmetrical pattern that radiates from the center, creating a neat, almost spherical flower head. The petals have a tendency to curve inward, giving the bloom a sense of depth and fullness. The luscious dark hue of the petals is occasionally highlighted with subtle hints of a black undertone, especially at the edges, which can make the flower appear even more intense under certain lighting conditions. The center of the flower, often hidden by the profuse petals, can exhibit a slightly lighter tone, drawing attention to the complex form of the flower's heart. Surrounding the stunning flowers are lush green leaves, which provide a striking contrast against the deep bloom color and enhance the plant's overall beauty. These leaves are typically broad and have a pronounced shape with serrated edges, adding texture to the plant's appearance. This variety of Dahlia flaunts its elegant blooms with great poise, making it a favorite among gardeners for its dramatic color and commanding presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia 'Rip City', Rip City Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Rip City'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlia 'Rip City' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized toxic effects from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of significant quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting due to the plant's innate chemical makeup not being suitable for human digestion.
To pets
Dahlia 'Rip City' is also considered non-toxic to pets. Ingesting dahlias may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to the presence of non-digestible components, but they are not known to contain substances that are poisonous to cats, dogs, or other domestic pets. Watch for signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea, if your pet consumes parts of a dahlia plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Dark red
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Dahlias, like 'Rip City', are known for their stunning blooms that add vibrant color and beauty to any garden.
- Variety of Uses: They can serve as the centerpiece in garden beds, borders, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlias attract beneficial pollinators to the garden such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Long Blooming Period: They typically bloom from midsummer until the first frost, providing extended color in the garden.
- Highly Versatile: Dahlias are suitable for a wide range of climates and can be grown in various soil types, provided the drainage is good.
- Easy Propagation: Tubers can be divided in the spring to create more plants, making it easy to expand your collection or share with friends.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia 'Rip City' petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a range of pink to purple hues depending on the mordant used.
- The hollow stems of dahlias can serve as natural straws or tiny water pipes in miniature garden constructions or children's play scenarios.
- When dried, dahlia tubers can be carved into biodegradable kitchen utensils, such as spoons or spatulas, for temporary use.
- Dahlia petals can be added to potpourri mixes for their vibrant color and subtle fragrance, enhancing the visual appeal of the mix.
- The geometric patterns of dahlia blooms can inspire artists and designers in their work, leading to natural pattern recognition and reproduction in various art forms.
- Dahlia blooms can be pressed and used in scrapbooking or paper making to create decorative paper with organic inclusions.
- The strong, upright stems of dahlias can support lighter climbing plants when used as a living trellis in the garden.
- Dried dahlia stems can be fashioned into small, eco-friendly plant stakes for labeling other plants in the garden.
- Dahlia flowers can be utilized as edible decorations for high-end culinary presentations, although consumption should be with caution due to potential allergens.
- During festive seasons, dahlia flowers can be strung together to create natural, biodegradable garlands or ornaments for eco-friendly decoration.
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: The Dahlia 'Rip City' showcases a sophisticated burgundy-black color that exudes a sense of elegance and upright character, often associated with poise and dignity.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are traditionally given to express sentiments of a lasting bond and a commitment to another individual, with their lush petals symbolizing a layered connection.
- Change and Diversity: With its diverse forms and colors, the Dahlia represents embracing change and diversity, encouraging openness to different perspectives and experiences.
- Creative Expression: The intricate petal patterns and standout appearance of the 'Rip City' variety can represent unique and inventive expression, celebrating individual creativity.
- Personal Achievement: Often given to honor personal achievements, the Dahlia conveys congratulations and recognition of success, making it a perfect gift to celebrate significant accomplishments.
- Warning or Betrayal: In some historical contexts, Dahlias were seen as a symbol of warning or an impending betrayal due to their explosive variety of shapes and unexpected patterns.
WaterDahlias require consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Water the 'Rip City' Dahlia early in the day to allow the foliage to dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Apply water directly to the base to avoid wetting the foliage, using approximately 1-2 gallons per plant each time you water. During hot, dry spells, watering may need to be more frequent. Always check the soil moisture and never let the dahlias dry out completely, as this could stress the plant and reduce flowering.
LightDahlias thrive in full sun conditions, where they can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The 'Rip City' Dahlia will perform best when planted in a location that ensures ample sunlight from morning to afternoon. Partial shade is tolerated, but may result in fewer flowers and less vigorous growth.
TemperatureDahlias, including 'Rip City', prefer moderate temperatures and perform best in environments where the daytime temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive temperatures as low as 50°F, but growth may slow down. It's crucial to protect dahlias from frost, as temperatures below 32°F can damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning dahlias is important for plant health and to encourage vigorous blooming. For 'Rip City' Dahlias, deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continued flowering. Cut the spent flower stems back to a set of leaves or a new bud to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for more extensive pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer well-draining soil with a rich blend of compost and peat moss. A good mix might consist of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part compost. The ideal pH for Dahlias 'Rip City' is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5 to 7.0.
RepottingDahlia 'Rip City' typically does not need to be repotted as it is grown from tubers that are planted yearly. After the growing season, the tubers should be lifted, stored during winter, and then replanted in the spring.
Humidity & MistingDahlias thrive best in moderate humidity. Outdoor humidity levels naturally suffice for Dahlia 'Rip City', so there is no need for specific humidity control unless the climate is extremely dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dahlias 'Rip City' in bright light and cool temps inside.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun after frost risk, fertilize monthly.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a 'Rip City' Dahlia begins with the planting of tubers in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed. The tubers sprout and develop into bushy plants, with foliage emerging and the plants undergoing vegetative growth. As the plants mature, flower buds appear and eventually bloom into the characteristic deep red, almost black blossoms that can reach up to 4-6 inches across during the summer. After flowering, if the blooms are deadheaded, the plant can continue to produce flowers until the first fall frost. As temperatures cool, the above-ground foliage begins to die back, signaling the end of the growing season. The tubers can then be dug up, stored in a cool, frost-free place during the winter, and replanted the following spring, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia 'Rip City', known simply as Dahlia, can be propagated through division, a method that is widely practiced during springtime when the plant is starting to come out of dormancy. This involves digging up the tuberous roots of the Dahlia after the foliage has died back and the plant has been left to rest over the winter. The clump of tubers should be carefully divided by hand or with a knife, making sure that each section has at least one eye or bud from which new growth can emerge. Divided tubers are then planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters), spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (about 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for the plant to grow. This approach ensures genetic consistency with the parent plant and is favored for maintaining specific Dahlia cultivars like 'Rip City'.
