Dahlia Dahlia 'Rossendale Joshua' (D)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Rossendale Joshua' is a showy plant admired for its vibrant and colorful flowers. The blooms of this dahlia are particularly striking, featuring a range of hues that can include deep reds, purples, and sometimes fiery oranges. These flowers are large and have a rounded shape, with layers of petals that are slightly curved at the tips, giving them a full and plush appearance. The petals have a velvety texture and are densely packed around a central disc, which is often a contrasting color, such as yellow or amber, adding to the flower's eye-catching display. The blooms are borne on sturdy stems that rise up from the plant's lush green foliage. The leaves of 'Rossendale Joshua' are typically bright green, adding a verdant backdrop to the flamboyant flowers. These leaves are compound, with multiple small leaflets arranged in a symmetrical pattern along a central vein. The overall plant has a robust and bushy habit, with a good amount of foliage that fills out its shape and provides an excellent contrast to the vivid flowers it supports.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia.
Common names
Dahlia 'Rossendale Joshua'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are not considered toxic to humans. They are generally recognized as safe for people to handle and inadvertently consume small quantities, for example, when using them as garnishments. There are no known major symptoms of poisoning from dahlias. However, it is always possible for an individual to have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to any plant. In such instances, symptoms could range from mild irritation or a rash to more severe allergic reactions in extremely sensitive individuals.
To pets
Dahlias are not toxic to pets. They are considered to be safe for animals like cats and dogs, and ingestion typically does not lead to serious poisoning. As with humans, individual pets may have sensitivities, and eating non-food plants can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, simply from the unfamiliar material in their system, but serious consequences are not commonly associated with dahlias.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Dahlia 'Rossendale Joshua' adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its striking blooms.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Dahlias can be used in borders, containers, or as cut flowers due to their long, sturdy stems.
- Extended Blooming Season: Dahlias have a long flowering period, often from mid-summer to autumn, providing color for several months.
- Easy Propagation: They can be easily propagated from tubers or cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Garden Filler: Their lush foliage helps to fill gaps in garden beds, creating a fuller, more lush appearance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a range of vibrant colors depending on the hue of the flowers used.
- The hollow stems of dahlias can be employed creatively as tiny water-holding vases for delicate stemmed flowers or as part of eco-friendly art projects.
- Dahlia blooms can be pressed and preserved to create unique botanical artwork or be included in scrapbooking or paper making for texture and color.
- With their intricate petals, dahlias can serve as inspiring subjects for photography or botanical illustration, capturing their detail and beauty.
- The plant's spent blooms and foliage can be composted to enrich the soil and support a sustainable garden ecosystem.
- When dried, dahlias can be used in potpourri mixes for their color though they don't have a strong natural scent.
- In culinary contexts, dahlia tubers are edible and can be cooked like a root vegetable, though not all varieties are tasty or recommended for eating.
- Afficionados of dahlias may use the tubers for breeding experiments, selecting for new colors or forms in their blooms.
- Children can use the large, brightly colored flowers for educational games or crafts, learning about plant biology in a hands-on manner.
- Dahlia flowers can be used as a natural confetti or decoration for outdoor celebrations, where they will biodegrade and not harm the environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Change - Dahlias are symbols of change and transformation, reflecting the plant's diverse forms and colors.
- Elegance - The Dahlia 'Rossendale Joshua' represents elegance and dignity due to its sophisticated bloom structure and stature.
- Commitment - The enduring nature of dahlias, which can bloom for extended periods, symbolizes a lasting bond or commitment.
- Diversity - Dahlias come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a symbol of diversity and variety in life.
- Creativity - With their intricate petals and stunning presentation, dahlias are often associated with artistic creativity and inspiration.
- Warning - In some traditions, dahlias are a gentle reminder of betrayal or instability, possibly due to their sudden wilting.
WaterDahlias require a consistent watering schedule, especially during their growing season from spring to fall. It is essential to provide a deep watering 2-3 times per week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. When watering, it’s best to avoid wetting the foliage directly to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Ensure each plant receives about one to two gallons of water per week, depending on the weather conditions, more if it's particularly hot or dry.
LightDahlias thrive in a location where they receive full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. An ideal spot for Dahlia 'Rossendale Joshua' would be in an open area, away from large trees or shrubs that could cast shade. The plant will produce the most blooms and have the strongest growth when planted in a sunny, well-draining spot.
TemperatureDahlias do best in moderate to warm temperatures with ideal growing conditions between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit but may not thrive below this range. Protection from frost is crucial, as Dahlia 'Rossendale Joshua' cannot tolerate temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Always aim to maintain a temperature range that supports active growth and flowering for this plant.
PruningPruning dahlias is important for maintaining plant health and encouraging prolific blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to redirect the plant's energy into producing more blooms. Cut back the stems to the nearest set of leaves to promote bushier growth. The best time for pruning is throughout the blooming season, from summer until the first frost, to keep the plants looking tidy and increase flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer a fertile, well-draining soil mix with compost added to enrich it; aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.5 for 'Rossendale Joshua' Dahlias.
RepottingDahlias, including the 'Rossendale Joshua', should be repotted annually, usually in the spring after the last frost when starting new tubers or re-planting stored ones.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Rossendale Joshua' prefer moderate humidity levels and can tolerate the varying conditions found in most outdoor gardens.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright indirect light, pot with drainage, and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure good soil drainage, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Rossendale Joshua' begins its life cycle as a tuber that is planted in the ground after the last frost has passed. It quickly germinates in warm soil, developing roots and shoots that grow into stems and leaves. As the plant matures, it forms buds that eventually bloom into vibrant flowers in the summer and autumn, attracting pollinators. Following the blooming phase, the flowers will wither, and the plant focuses energy on sustaining and enlarging its tuber. With the arrival of cold weather, the above-ground growth dies back, and the tuber enters a dormant period over winter. In the spring, the cycle starts anew when temperatures rise and the tuber can be divided and replanted to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Dahlia 'Rossendale Joshua', commonly referred to as Dahlia, is best propagated through division, which is typically performed in the spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully lift the tuberous root clump from the ground after the foliage has died back and the soil has started to warm. Using a sharp knife, divide the clump into sections, making sure that each section has at least one eye or bud. These sections should then be allowed to dry for a day or two to form a callus over the cut surfaces to prevent rot when planted. The divided tubers can then be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, with the eyes facing upward, and spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted tubers thoroughly and they should begin to grow and produce new plants within a few weeks. This method is advantageous because it not only propagates the Dahlia but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become too large or crowded.
