Dahlia Dahlia 'Ruby Murray' (D)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Ruby Murray' is a striking plant known for its lush, showy blooms. The flowers are characterized by their deep, ruby red petals, which can appear almost burgundy in certain lights. This opulent red tone gives a velvety appearance and often has subtle hints of darker shades near the petal bases, adding depth and complexity to the flower's overall look. The petals are usually arranged in a dense, spiraling pattern emanating from the center of the flower, creating a full, rounded blossom typical of many dahlias. These flowers stand out against the plant's backdrop of green foliage. Leaves on the Dahlia 'Ruby Murray' are typically bright green, providing a lush contrast to the vibrant red of the blooms. The leaves are compound, with several individual leaflets creating a somewhat feathery texture. In addition to the captivating flowers, the stems of Dahlia 'Ruby Murray' are sturdy, often exhibiting a green to slightly reddish hue, which supports the heavy blooms well. The overall appearance of the Dahlia 'Ruby Murray' is one of drama and elegance, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their floral arrangements and garden beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Ruby Murray'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlia 'Ruby Murray', commonly known as Dahlia, is not considered toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms in some individuals, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, mainly due to the presence of irritating compounds rather than toxic principles. These incidents are relatively rare, and the Dahlia is generally considered safe to have in gardens where children or adults may have casual contact.
To pets
Dahlia, the common name of Dahlia 'Ruby Murray', is generally considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingesting dahlia plants might cause mild gastrointestinal distress in some pets, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. This discomfort is usually not due to severe toxicity but may arise from the pet's sensitivity to the plant material or from the mechanical irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. It's always prudent to prevent pets from consuming large amounts of any non-food plant due to the potential for such digestive upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Aesthetics: Dahlia 'Ruby Murray' features bold, ruby-red blooms that add a splash of color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Dahlias bloom from mid-summer to the first frosts, providing extended periods of garden interest.
- Versatile Usage: The large, showy flowers are perfect for cut flower arrangements, adding beauty to indoor spaces.
- Easy Propagation: Tubers can be divided in spring, making it easy to propagate and share with fellow gardeners.
- Garden Design: They work well in borders, beds, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design and planting.
- Wide Range of Colors: Beyond 'Ruby Murray', dahlias come in a myriad of colors and forms, allowing for diverse garden themes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlias can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, where the petals impart vibrant colors, typically ranging from yellows to deep purples depending on the variety of the flower.
- The tubers of dahlias, particularly 'Dahlia imperialis', can be used in culinary dishes as a root vegetable after proper cooking.
- Landscape architects often utilize dahlias for geometric garden designs due to their structured growth pattern and variety of sizes and shapes.
- Photographers and artists frequently use dahlias as subjects due to their intricate petal patterns and striking colors.
- In craft projects, dahlia petals can be pressed and included in paper making to create decorative handmade papers.
- Dahlias can be part of natural insect repellent strategies in gardens, as some varieties are known to deter specific pests.
- With careful manipulation, dahlias can be formed into natural floral sculptures for competitions and exhibitions, showcasing gardeners' skills in manipulating plant growth.
- The hollow stems of certain dahlias can be used in creative eco-friendly straw alternatives or for small-scale water transport in gardening applications.
- During traditional festivals or ceremonies, dahlias are sometimes utilized in petal carpets or as part of offerings due to their vibrant and various colors.
- Dahlias may be used in educational settings, such as biology classrooms or botanical studies, to demonstrate plant growth, hybridizing techniques, and genetic diversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: Due to their intricate petals and stunning presentation, dahlias often symbolize elegance and the ability to stand out with grace within diverse social situations.
- Change and Diversity: Dahlia flowers are available in a vast array of colors and forms, echoing the idea that beauty comes in many different shapes, and representing the value of change and variety in our lives.
- Commitment and Bond That Lasts Forever: As dahlias are perennials that return year after year, they are often associated with long-lasting bonds and commitments, such as a lifelong relationship or enduring friendship.
- Inner Strength: The dahlia stands for having a strong will and unique character; it's often given as encouragement to people who are facing a tough challenge.
- Creative Spirit: The variety and complexity of dahlia flowers also lend them to symbolize a wild array of creative expression, suitable for those who use innovation and ingenuity.
WaterDahlias require a consistent watering schedule to thrive, preferably with a deep watering of about 1 inch of water per week. During the active growing season, it's important to water deeply to encourage root growth, which can be achieved by watering the plant with approximately 0.5 gallons for smaller plants or up to 2 gallons for larger plants every week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, instead water at the base of the plant. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water the dahlias two to three times per week to maintain consistent moisture.
LightDahlias prefer full sunlight to perform their best, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. The ideal spot for 'Ruby Murray' dahlias is an area where they can bask in direct sunlight in the morning with some protection from the intense afternoon sun if possible, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureDahlias are not frost-hardy and thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate temperatures as high as 90°F but should be shaded during the hottest part of the day. Dahlias should not be planted until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F. They will not survive freezing temperatures, so tubers must be lifted and stored if temperatures dip below 30°F.
PruningPruning dahlias, such as the 'Ruby Murray', encourages bushier plant growth and more abundant flowers. Pinch out the top growth after the plant has reached about 16 inches to promote branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate continuous blooming throughout the season. The best time for pruning dahlias is late spring throughout the growing season until fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Ruby Murray', commonly known as dahlia, thrives best in a well-draining, fertile loam with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A good soil mix for dahlias would include equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer before planting for optimal growth.
RepottingDahlias need to be repotted typically only when dividing the tubers, usually every 2 to 3 years. After the first frost has blackened the foliage, dig up the tubers, divide them, and store them in a cool, frost-free place for the winter.
Humidity & MistingDahlias tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but generally prefer moderate conditions. They do well with typical outdoor humidity and don't require special attention to humidity when grown properly in their ideal climate zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, good airflow, rich soil, and careful watering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, ample water during dry periods.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Ruby Murray' Dahlia begins its cycle when the tuber is planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. It first develops roots and shoots, growing into a leafy stem structure. As the plant matures, it begins to produce distinctive flowers with deep ruby-red petals, usually starting in midsummer and continuing until the first fall frost. During its bloom period, it requires deadheading of spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and maintain plant vigor. As temperatures drop in late fall, the above-ground foliage dies back, and the tuber enters a dormant state. Over winter, the dahlia tuber can be lifted and stored in a cool, frost-free environment to be replanted the following spring, thus completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The best time to propagate the Dahlia 'Ruby Murray' is in the spring just before the last frost date when soil temperatures consistently reach about 60°F (15.5°C). The most popular method of propagation for this variety of dahlia is through division. This is done by digging up the tuberous roots of the plant after the foliage has died back in the fall and storing them in a cool, frost-free place over winter. In the spring, the tubers are cut into sections, making sure each section has at least one eye, or bud, from which new growth can emerge. The cut surfaces are often dusted with a fungicide to prevent rot before the tuber segments are planted in well-draining soil. It's important to give the new plants plenty of water as they establish themselves, typically the sections of tuber are planted about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep with the eye facing up.
