Spartacus Senior Dahlia Dahlia 'Spartacus' Senior (D)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Spartacus' Senior, often known simply as Dahlia, boasts a stunning display of large, vibrant blooms that make it a standout in any garden. The flowers are characterized by a dramatic, rich red hue that can catch anyone's eye from a distance. The petals have a unique form, being ruffled and slightly twisted, which adds a sense of depth and texture to the flower's overall appearance. The edges of the petals are often lighter, with a tinge that may appear almost white, creating a beautiful contrast that highlights the intricate arrangement of the petals. Amidst the showy flowers, the plant bears lush green foliage, which serves as a backdrop that further accentuates the bright colors of the blooms. The leaves are typically oblong, with a pointed tip and a serrated edge, attaching to the stem which supports the heavy flowers. The overall appearance of the Dahlia 'Spartacus' Senior is one of the luxury and opulence, with its dramatic flowers often serving as the centerpiece in gardens or as a prized flower in bouquets and floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia, Spartacus Senior Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Spartacus' Senior
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no notable toxicity associated with Dahlia 'Spartacus' for humans, and ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning. However, it's always a good practice to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption and may have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals that could be harmful if ingested.
To pets
Dahlias are not known to be toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Dahlia 'Spartacus' should not cause significant symptoms of poisoning if ingested by a pet. As with humans, it is still advisable to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid the possibility of gastrointestinal upset or the ingestion of any chemicals that may have been used on the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - The Dahlia 'Spartacus' is known for its large, showy flowers that can add dramatic color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility - Dahlias can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Pollinator Attraction - These plants are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which help support local ecosystems.
- Long Blooming Period - Dahlias typically have a long flowering season, from midsummer until the first frosts, providing sustained beauty in the garden.
- Variety of Sizes and Colors - Dahlias like 'Spartacus' come in many sizes and a wide range of colors, allowing gardeners to choose the perfect match for their garden theme and color scheme.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography and Art: The striking appearance of the Dahlia 'Spartacus' makes it a favorite subject for photographers and artists who wish to capture its deep color and intricate form.
- Educational Tool: Botany and horticulture instructors can use this cultivar to teach students about hybridization, plant care, and the characteristics of the Asteraceae family.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals of Dahlias can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding unique and vibrant colors.
- Companion Planting: 'Spartacus' can be planted in vegetable gardens as a companion plant to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, promoting a more productive and healthy garden.
- Floral Crafts: The large, showy blooms of the Dahlia are used in crafting, such as making floral wreaths, centerpieces, and other decorations.
- Culinary Garnish: Dahlia petals can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding an elegant touch to dishes.
- Theme Gardens: Garden designers may use 'Spartacus' to create a specific color theme in a garden, such as a red and purple color scheme.
- Event Decor: Cut stems of the Dahlia are used in event decor, especially for weddings and parties, where their bold blooms add drama to floral arrangements.
- Plant Breeding: Professional and amateur plant breeders may use Dahlia 'Spartacus' as genetic stock to cross-pollinate with other Dahlias to produce new varieties.
- Seasonal Celebrations: The flowers are often used in festivals and celebrations that occur during its blooming season, such as summer and autumn harvest festivals.
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 bold and striking appearance of Dahlia 'Spartacus' epitomizes a sense of grace and nobility, reflecting an individual's dignified bearing and poised manner.
- Change and Variety: With its myriad of colors, forms, and sizes, dahlias symbolize diversity and the ability to gracefully adapt to life's changes.
- Commitment and Bond: Due to their intricate layers and strong petals, they often represent a lasting union or a strong, everlasting bond between two people.
- Creative Expression: The vivid and lively hues of the dahlia inspire creativity and the drive to express oneself boldly.
- Inner Strength: Just as 'Spartacus' was a symbol of strength and resistance, this dahlia variety can represent personal fortitude and the power within an individual to face challenges.
WaterDahlia 'Spartacus' should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It's recommended to water the plants early in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall, as this helps prevent disease. A good soaking could equate to about 1-2 gallons per week for each plant, varying with the existing climate and soil conditions. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent damage to the blooms and foliage.
LightDahlias, including 'Spartacus', prefer full sun exposure, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. A sunny spot with some protection from the harsh afternoon sun can be ideal, depending on the intensity of your local climate. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as insufficient light can reduce blooming and lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureDahlias thrive best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 50°F, but frost can be detrimental to the plants. Dahlias should be planted once all danger of frost has passed in the spring, and they should be lifted and stored in the fall if temperatures drop below 50°F.
PruningPruning dahlias helps promote bushier plants and more abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the season. Pinch back the main stem when the plant is about a foot tall to stimulate branching. The best time for pruning is throughout the growing season, from spring until fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer a well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH level of about 6.5. A mixture of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand can provide the ideal conditions for Dahlia 'Spartacus' growth.
RepottingDahlias, including Dahlia 'Spartacus', should be replanted annually. Tubers can be divided and repotted in the spring after the last frost when you start to see new growth on the tubers.
Humidity & MistingDahlias, like Dahlia 'Spartacus', thrive in moderate humidity levels. They do not require high humidity and can grow well in the typical outdoor ambient humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Dahlia 'Spartacus' in a well-lit spot; turn pot for even growth.
Outdoor
Plant Dahlia 'Spartacus' in full sun, enrich soil, and ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA.
Life cycleThe life of a Dahlia 'Spartacus' begins when a tuber is planted in well-drained soil after the last threat of frost has passed, usually in the spring. The plant then sprouts and grows stems and leaves, with adequate water, sunlight, and nutrition, leading to the vegetative stage. As the weather warms, it enters the budding phase, where flower buds form and start to develop on the stems. The Dahlia 'Spartacus' flowers in the summer to early fall, showcasing its large, vibrant red blooms with ruffled petals and a yellow center. After flowering and as temperatures drop, the plant goes into a dormant period during the winter; in colder climates, the tubers are often dug up and stored to protect them from freezing. Come the next spring, the cycle begins anew with the tubers being replanted, thus continuing the Dahlia 'Spartacus' lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Dahlia 'Spartacus' Senior is typically propagated through division of tubers, which is the most popular method for this plant. This process is ideally carried out in the spring, just before the last expected frost date when the soil has warmed up sufficiently. To propagate by division, one should carefully lift the tuber clump from the ground after the foliage has died back, and gently brush off any soil. Using a sharp, clean knife, each tuber or clump is cut into sections, ensuring that each division has at least one eye or bud from which new growth can emerge. The cut surfaces can be dusted with a fungicide to prevent disease. Divisions are then planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm), spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow for adequate growth. This method ensures a true copy of the parent plant and is highly effective for Dahlia propagation.
