Dahlia Dahlia 'Starsister Red-yellow' (Col)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Starsister Red-yellow' is a strikingly attractive plant known for its vibrant, showy flowers that create a bold statement in any garden. The blooms are its most captivating feature, with each flower showcasing a striking bicolor pattern. The petals are a blend of fiery red that seamlessly transitions into a bright, sunny yellow, giving them an energetic and cheerful appearance. These colors are arranged in a star-like pattern, which stands out vividly against the green foliage. The leaves are deep green, providing a lush background that further accentuates the boldness of the red and yellow flowers. The foliage has a slightly serrated edge, which adds texture and visual interest to the overall appearance of the plant. The leaves might vary from a medium to dark green hue and typically have an ovate shape with prominent veining. As a member of the Dahlia genus, the 'Starsister Red-yellow' bears familiar characteristics, such as the tubular petals that are classically Dahlia in their configuration. The flowers are known for their layered, somewhat spiky appearance which gives them a full, almost spherical look. The petals near the center of the flower can be more tightly packed, contributing to the dense, intricate structure of the bloom. Overall, the Dahlia 'Starsister Red-yellow' is a celebration of color and form, making it a favorite among gardeners who wish to add a lively splash of color to their landscapes. It is a popular choice for borders, containers, and as a cut flower, thanks to its large, long-lasting blooms and its ability to bring a sense of joy and energy wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Starsister Red-yellow Dahlia, Starsister Striped Dahlia, Starsister Red and Yellow Dahlia.
Common names
Dahlia 'Starsister Red-yellow' (Col)
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the 'Starsister Red-yellow', are considered to be non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of the dahlia plant typically does not lead to poisoning or serious health consequences. However, as with any plant material, individual sensitivities can occur, and ingesting plant parts may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort for some people, such as nausea or diarrhea.
To pets
Dahlias, including the 'Starsister Red-yellow', are generally considered to be non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of the dahlia plant is not expected to cause serious poisoning. However, gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, could occur if a pet ingests a considerable amount of plant material, particularly if it is not part of their regular diet. It is always best to supervise pets in areas where they have access to plants and to consult a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its striking red and yellow bicolored petals.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Requires minimal care and is relatively easy to cultivate for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming: Produces flowers from mid-summer until the first frost, providing lasting beauty in the garden.
- Wide Variety: Part of a larger family of dahlias, which come in an array of shapes and sizes, allowing for diverse garden designs.
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 to make a natural plant dye, imparting a range of colors from pinks to yellows, depending on the mordant used.
- The tubers of Dahlia can be used as a substitute for potatoes in emergencies; they are edible when cooked but should be treated with caution as some varieties can be bitter.
- Dahlias are used in the horticultural industry as breeding stock to develop new cultivars with unique characteristics like varied petal shapes or color patterns.
- Artists may use the vibrant colors of Dahlia flowers as a natural source of inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art.
- The flower's intricate pattern and structure can be studied by scientists and used in biomimicry when designing efficient structures or materials.
- In certain cultures, Dahlias may be incorporated into religious ceremonies or used as a symbol of commitment and bond in marriage rituals.
- Dahlia flowers can be used to create eco-friendly confetti, which is biodegradable and does not harm the environment like synthetic confetti.
- Photographers often utilize Dahlias as a subject in macro photography due to their detailed and unique flower patterns.
- Dahlia blooms can be used to create floral water or floral essences, offering a subtle fragrance that can be used in aromatherapy.
- The structural beauty of Dahlias allows them to serve as an educational tool in botanical and horticultural studies, providing a hands-on learning experience about plant growth and flower development.
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 associated with poise and dignity due to their sophisticated bloom structure and vibrant appearance, reflecting a sense of grace.
- Change and Variety: The Starsister Red-yellow Dahlia, with its variegated petals, symbolizes diversity and change, as it showcases a blend of colors in a single flower.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias stand for lasting commitment and strong bonds between two people, as the flowers have a long blooming season.
- Creative Spirit: The unique pattern of this Dahlia variety may be seen as a celebration of creativity and innovation, inspiring originality in thoughts and actions.
- Warning and Caution: In some cultures, Dahlias can also represent a warning or a sentiment of caution against something, due to their bold and standout colors.
WaterDahlia 'Starsister Red-yellow' thrives when consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the garden dahlia deeply to saturate the soil around the roots once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. Adjust the frequency to account for rainfall and avoid watering overhead to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of disease. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently to maintain soil moisture. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again to encourage strong root development.
LightDahlias like 'Starsister Red-yellow' prefer a location that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Proper sunlight is crucial for the best growth and bloom production. Avoid placing your dahlia in areas that get prolonged periods of shade, as this can impede the plant's development and flowering potential. If grown indoors or in a container, position the plant by a window or on a patio where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for the garden dahlia lies between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Dahlias can tolerate a maximum temperature of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged heat can stress the plant, so providing some afternoon shade in hotter climates is beneficial. They do not fare well in cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect dahlias from frost, which means planting them after the danger of frost has passed in the spring and digging up tubers before the first fall frost.
PruningPrune garden dahlias to promote bushier growth and increase flower production. Snip off the top 3 to 4 inches of the plant when it reaches about 16 inches in height. Throughout the blooming season, regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant vigor. The best time to prune for shape is in spring as new growth appears, but always remove dead or damaged stems as needed at any time.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good mix for Starsister Red-yellow Dahlias would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. It's beneficial to add compost or well-rotted manure to supply nutrients.
RepottingStarsister Red-yellow Dahlias should generally be repotted annually. They are typically replanted each spring after the danger of frost has passed, as the tubers are lifted and stored during winter.
Humidity & MistingStarsister Red-yellow Dahlias appreciate moderate humidity levels. While specific humidity requirements are not strict, maintaining a natural outdoor humidity level will suffice, as too much humidity can encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with room to grow.
Outdoor
Full sun, sheltered spot, fertile soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Dahlia 'Starsister Red and Yellow' begins when the tubers are planted in the soil after the last frost when the soil has warmed up. The plant then germinates and sprouts, developing roots, stems, and leaves as it enters the vegetative stage. As it matures, the Dahlia 'Starsister Red and Yellow' enters the flowering stage, producing its vibrant red and yellow blooms throughout the summer and into fall until the first frost. After blooming, the plant will set seeds, although Dahlias are more commonly propagated through tuber division. As temperatures cool, the above-ground foliage of the Dahlia dies back, and the plant enters dormancy; the tubers can be left in the ground or dug up and stored for the winter, depending on the climate. Upon the return of favorable conditions in the spring, the cycle can begin anew with the planting of the stored or new tubers.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Dahlia 'Starsister Red-yellow', commonly known as Dahlia, can be effectively propagated through division, which is the most popular method. This process typically begins in spring just before the new growth starts. Gardeners divide the tuberous roots of the Dahlia by using a clean, sharp knife to carefully separate the clumps, ensuring each section has at least one eye, which is a growth point. After dividing, the cut surfaces should be allowed to dry for a day or so to form a callus, which helps prevent rotting. Subsequently, these divisions can be planted about 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 18-24 inches (45-60 centimeters) apart, providing ideal conditions for new plants to grow and flourish.
