Dahlia Dahlia 'Susan Carey' (S-c)

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae.

• Synonyms

  Garden Dahlia, Dahlia.

• Common names

  Dahlia 'Susan Carey'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Dahlias, such as the Dahlia 'Susan Carey', are generally not considered toxic to humans. They do not contain substances known to cause serious harm if ingested. That being said, individual allergic reactions or sensitivity to the plant are possible, although such cases are relatively rare. Ingesting any part of the plant may potentially cause mild stomach upset in some people, but significant toxicity is not expected.

• To pets

  Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Susan Carey', are not listed as toxic to pets by major animal health organizations like the ASPCA. While they are not recognized as poisonous, ingestion of plant parts may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea. However, these symptoms are typically not severe. It's always a good practice to prevent pets from eating plants as a general precaution.

Characteristics

• Life 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

  8

• Native area

  Mexico

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: S-c can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden, enhancing pollination.
• Vibrant Colors: With its bright and varied colors, S-c makes gardens more aesthetically pleasing.
• Easy to Grow: S-c are generally easy to cultivate and can thrive in a wide range of soil types as long as they are well-draining.
• Long Blooming Season: S-c have a long flowering period which ensures that gardens have color from mid-summer until the first frosts.
• Great for Cut Flowers: S-c are ideal for creating bouquets and floral arrangements due to their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms when cut.
• Landscape Versatility: S-c can be used in flower beds, borders, and containers, adding flexibility to garden design.
• Wildlife Friendly: By providing nectar and pollen, S-c help support local ecosystems.
• Diversity of Forms: S-c come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, offering diverse design choices for gardeners.
• Mix and Match: Their wide range of colors and forms allows for creative mixing and matching in garden landscaping.
• Seasonal Interest: S-c adds to the seasonal interest in gardens, with their peak beauty on display in late summer and autumn.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Dahlias, like 'Susan Carey', have tubers that can be used to create a natural dye for textiles, imparting hues ranging from earthy browns to subtle pinks depending on the mordant used.
• The large, showy blooms of dahlias are often used in floral arrangements and can be a sustainable alternative to cut flowers that have a higher environmental transport cost.
• Dahlia petals can serve as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts, adding an elegant touch to the presentation of a dish.
• The hollow stems of dahlias can be repurposed as natural straws or tiny plant supports for smaller potted plants or saplings.
• Tubers of 'Susan Carey' can be thinly sliced and crisped to create a unique, edible decoration for food plating.
• Dried dahlia flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for natural home fragrance without the need for artificial scents.
• The sturdy stems and foliage of dahlias can be composted after bloom to contribute to a nutrient-rich soil amendment for garden beds.
• With their intricate petal patterns, dahlia flowers like 'Susan Carey' can be used in art classes for botanical drawing studies and photography.
• When planted in groups, dahlias can create a living fence or privacy screen in the garden during their growing season.
• Used as a natural pest deterrent, dahlias can be part of a companion planting strategy, repelling certain insects while attracting pollinators.

Feng Shui

The Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Elegance and Dignity: Due to its sophisticated and intricate bloom, the Dahlia often symbolizes elegance and dignity, making it a popular choice in floral arrangements for special occasions.
• Commitment and Bond: Dahlia flowers, owing to their myriad of petals that work in harmony, can represent a lasting bond and commitment between two people.
• Diversity: With its wide range of colors and forms, Dahlias are often associated with diversity and the celebration of uniqueness.
• Creative Spirit: Dahlias, particularly the Dahlia 'Susan Carey', can be representative of a wild creativity and an encouragement for people to let their imaginations bloom.
• Change and Transition: As the Dahlia blooms through the late summer to the fall, it often signifies periods of change, or transition in one’s life.
• Warning and Betrayal: In some historical contexts, Dahlias have been used to signify a warning or sense of betrayal, perhaps due to the complexity and surprising nature of their blooms.