Dahlia Dahlia 'Ryecroft Marge' (Anem)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Ryecroft Marge' is characterized by its striking floral display and lush foliage. The flowers of this cultivar are particularly eye-catching, often noted for their unique form which falls under the Anemone classification—a central disc of tubular florets surrounded by one or more rings of flatter ray florets, creating a pincushion effect. The central florets typically show up in a contrasting color, giving the blossoms an intricate appearance. The individual blooms are generally quite substantial and showy, making them a favorite among gardeners and florists alike for their ornamental value. The petals can display a range of hues, often featuring a gradation or blend of colors that can include shades of a single color or a combination of complementary colors. Leaves on Dahlia 'Ryecroft Marge' are typically deep green, providing a backdrop that further accentuates the vibrancy of the flowers. The foliage is made up of compound leaves that are divided into smaller leaflets, creating a feathery texture that adds to the overall visual interest of the plant. This Dahlia variety may produce sturdy stems which support the weight of the large flowers, ensuring that they stand out prominently within the plant's structure. The stems and foliage together create a lush, full-bodied look even when the plant is not in bloom. In garden settings, 'Ryecroft Marge' Dahlias are often planted in groups or as part of a mixed border to take full advantage of their decorative potential. They bloom during the latter half of the growing season, offering a burst of color when many other plants start to fade, extending the visual appeal of a garden into the late summer and fall months.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Ryecroft Marge' (Anem)
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the variety 'Ryecroft Marge', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the tubers, can potentially cause mild stomach upset, as with many ornamental plants not intended for consumption. Generally, dahlias are regarded as safe to handle and plant in gardens where children and adults are present, with the main concern being for potential skin irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin.
To pets
Dahlias, including the variety 'Ryecroft Marge', are considered to have low toxicity to pets. If ingested by animals such as cats and dogs, they might experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting or diarrhea. The plant is not known to cause serious illness or be fatal to pets, but it is advisable to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a general precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Dahlias like 'Ryecroft Marge' add vibrant colors and unique shapes to gardens, providing visual interest from summer through fall.
- Landscape Versatility: This variety can be used in borders, beds, and as cut flowers in arrangements.
- Pollinator Attraction: Dahlia flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy Propagation: Dahlias can be easily propagated by dividing tubers, allowing gardeners to share and expand their collection.
- Long Blooming: They have a lengthy blooming period that ensures garden color for an extended season.
- Range of Uses: Suitable for containers, dahlias can also thrive in small spaces or urban gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The tubers of dahlias like 'Ryecroft Marge' can be used to make a natural dye for textiles, providing shades of browns and oranges depending on the mordant used.
- As dahlias are not palatable to deer, they can be planted in gardens to help deter deer and protect more vulnerable plants.
- Dahlias can be used in companion planting strategies to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden, enhancing pollination of nearby crops.
- 'Ryecroft Marge' can be used as a teaching tool in horticulture classes to demonstrate tuber division and propagation techniques.
- The stems of large dahlias can be used in the creation of bio-degradable plant supports for other garden plants.
- Dried dahlia petals can be used to create natural potpourri mixes, often retaining their color and shape when dried properly.
- The hollow stems of dahlia plants, once dried, can be used as natural straws or for crafting purposes.
- Competitive gardeners might use 'Ryecroft Marge' in dahlia shows and competitions, where cultivating the perfect bloom is a prized skill.
- Dahlia flowers can be pressed and included in botanical papermaking, creating unique and decorative paper products.
- For photographers and artists, 'Ryecroft Marge' dahlias provide an attractive subject for still life compositions or botanical illustrations.
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: Dahlias are often considered symbols of elegance due to their intricate petals and beautiful colors.
- Change and Variety: The diversity in color and form of dahlias symbolizes change and variety, suitable for someone who appreciates diversity.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlia flowers are often associated with lasting bonds and commitments, reflecting long-term relationships.
- Strength: The dahlia's sturdy stem and vibrant blooms can represent inner strength in the face of adversity.
- Warning or Betrayal: In the Victorian language of flowers, dahlias can sometimes symbolize betrayal or a warning, likely due to their array of colors hiding the complexity within.
WaterDahlias require a consistent watering schedule to ensure they thrive. Water your 'Ryecroft Marge' dahlias deeply a couple of times a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time, which equates to about 0.6 gallons per square foot. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moist but not soggy soil. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Cut back on watering as the weather cools and the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightDahlias, including 'Ryecroft Marge', perform best in a location where they receive full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. They thrive under direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates where a bit of afternoon shade can prevent the flowers from being scorched. For optimal growth and flowering, position your dahlias in the sunniest spot of your garden, ensuring they get ample morning sunlight.
TemperatureDahlias like 'Ryecroft Marge' grow best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but freezing temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can kill the tubers if they are left in the ground without proper insulation. Ideal temperatures during the growing season should be warm but not excessively hot, as very high temperatures can stress the plants.
PruningPruning 'Ryecroft Marge' dahlias is mainly for shaping, removing spent flowers, and promoting more blooms. Deadhead regularly by cutting off the faded blooms to encourage continuous flowering. The best time to prune dahlias is during the growing season, particularly in the summer when they are actively blooming. Cut back the plants in late fall as they begin to die back in preparation for winter dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Dahlia 'Ryecroft Marge', also known as Garden Dahlia, the best soil mix is a well-draining, fertile loam with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. Incorporate organic matter like compost or aged manure to enhance the soil structure.
RepottingGarden Dahlias should be repotted annually. They are typically lifted and divided after the first frost in the fall, stored over winter, and then repotted in the spring.
Humidity & MistingDahlias thrive in moderate humidity levels. Aiming for a range between 40-60% humidity is ideal for the Garden Dahlia's growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit room and ensure soil is well-draining for indoor Garden Dahlia growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with rich soil; water consistently and deadhead for Garden Dahlia.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Ryecroft Marge' begins its life as a tuber, which is planted in well-drained soil after the last frost in the spring. It then sprouts and grows into a young seedling, followed by a mature plant with a strong stem and foliage. During the growing season, the plant develops blooms that come in a variety of colors depending on the cultivar, in this case, typically showcasing the characteristic colors of the 'Ryecroft Marge'. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, though Dahlias are often propagated through division of tubers rather than seeds. As temperatures drop in the fall, the above-ground portions of the plant die back, while the tubers can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place to overwinter. The next spring, the stored tubers can be replanted, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Dahlia 'Ryecroft Marge', commonly known as Dahlia, is typically propagated through division of tubers which is the most popular method for this plant. The ideal time to divide dahlia tubers is in early spring, just before the new growth begins. The process involves carefully lifting the tubers from the ground after the foliage has died back in the fall and the soil has dried out a bit. After lifting, the tubers should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place for the winter. In the spring, the clumps of tubers can be divided, making sure that each division has at least one eye, or growth point. These new divisions can then be planted back into the soil, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to give each new plant room to grow. It's important to plant them at the right depth, generally about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, with the eye facing upwards.
