Dahlia Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine' (Anem)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine' is a striking plant known for its vibrant floral display. This dahlia variety boasts lush, green foliage that serves as a backdrop to its headline attraction: the flowers. The blooms are characterized by their warm, tangerine-orange color, which seems to glow with a sunny vibrancy. The petals of the flowers have a delicate appearance, with a somewhat fluffy and informal arrangement that exudes a sense of graceful movement. This dahlia’s blossoms are shaped like those of anemones, with a central disc surrounded by longer petals that can appear almost layered due to the way they are arranged around the flower's center. Each bloom provides a generous splash of color, making 'Totally Tangerine' a popular choice for both garden enjoyment and cut flower arrangements. The overall impression of the plant is one of spirited, refreshing cheerfulness that can brighten any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia, Georgina
Common names
Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine' (Anem)
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of dahlias, including the variety 'Totally Tangerine', causing severe poisoning in people. However, individuals with sensitive skin may occasionally experience mild dermatitis or skin irritation after handling the plant extensively. Ingestion of dahlias is unlikely to cause more than mild gastrointestinal upset, if any symptoms appear at all.
To pets
Dahlias, including the variety 'Totally Tangerine', are generally safe and not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While not common, if a pet were to ingest large quantities of dahlia, the most likely reaction would be mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms should be temporary and often resolve without the need for medical intervention. However, if a pet displays severe symptoms or you have concerns about their health after ingesting dahlias, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant blooms of Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine' are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are essential for pollination in the garden.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias have a lengthy flowering period from midsummer to fall, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended time.
- Cut Flower: The sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make 'Totally Tangerine' an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
- Variety of Uses: This dahlia can be planted in borders, flower beds, or containers, offering versatility in garden design.
- Easy to Grow: With proper care, these plants are relatively easy to grow, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Color Impact: The vibrant tangerine shades of the flower can add a warm, bold pop of color to any garden landscape.
- Easy to Propagate: Dahlias can be propagated through division or cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection without additional cost.
- Garden Focal Point: The size and striking color of 'Totally Tangerine' can serve as an eye-catching centerpiece in a garden setting.
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 as natural dye: The vibrant petals of dahlias can be used as a natural fabric dye, producing a range of colors from oranges to pinks depending on the processing.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of dahlias can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper confetti at celebrations and weddings.
- Photography subject: Dahlia flowers, especially the 'Totally Tangerine' variety, can provide an excellent subject matter for botanical photographers due to their unique form and vivid color.
- Edible decoration for dishes: The petals of dahlias are edible and can be used to add color and a touch of elegance when decorating cakes and other desserts.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use the striking appearance of the Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine' as inspiration for paintings, textile designs, and other creative works.
- Flower arranging classes: Dahlia blooms are popular in teaching flower arrangement due to their structure and long-lasting cut flowers.
- Mood enhancement: The bright and cheerful colors of Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine' can be used in color therapy practices to boost mood and create a positive environment.
- Insect attraction in garden ecosystems: Dahlia flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help maintain the health of garden ecosystems.
- Living floral jewelry: Smaller dahlia flowers or petals can be incorporated into wearable floral designs such as rings, necklaces, or hair accessories for special occasions.
- Bookmarks: Pressed dahlia petals or small flowers can be used to create artistic and natural bookmarks for book enthusiasts.
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 often symbolize the enduring grace and poise of the bearer, due to their sophisticated and intricate blooms.
- Change and Variety: Given the wide spectrum of colors and forms that dahlias come in, they represent diversity, change, and variety.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are sometimes used to denote a lasting commitment between two people, much like a bond that stands the test of time.
- Inner Strength: The dahlia stands as a symbol of inner strength, due to its sturdy stems and layered petals that flourish until the first frost.
- Creativity: The striking and vivid appearance of dahlias can be representative of a burst of creativity and inspiration.
WaterDahlia 'Totally Tangerine' should be watered deeply once to twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During peak bloom season or hot weather, increase watering frequency to ensure constant soil moisture. Water in the early morning hours to reduce evaporation and allow leaves to dry out, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and apply water directly to the base of the plant using a soaker hose or drip irrigation for the best results.
LightDahlia 'Totally Tangerine' thrives best in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a spot in the garden that receives ample morning light and some afternoon shade if the climate is particularly hot. Too little light will result in leggy plants with few blooms, so ensure that the chosen location is free from taller plants or structures that might cast significant shade.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature for Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine' is between 60°F and 70°F during the day. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50°F and tolerate up to 75°F to 90°F, but prolonged exposure outside of the ideal range can stress the plant. Dahlias are sensitive to frost and cold, so ensure the temperature remains above freezing and provide mulch or frost protection if a cold snap is expected.
PruningPrune Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine' to encourage bushiness, remove dead or damaged growth, and promote more blooms. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Deadheading spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season will also encourage continuous flowering. Cut back the stems to a set of leaves or a growth node to encourage branching.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for growing Dahlias is a well-draining, loamy soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. The ideal soil pH for Dahlias should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. It's important to ensure good drainage to prevent tuber rot.
RepottingDahlias grown in containers should be repotted annually. The best time to repot is in the spring when new growth begins. Repotting provides fresh soil and allows for the division of tubers if they have become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer moderate to slightly higher humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They perform best when the humidity is maintained around 40-60%, mimicking their native environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, proper drainage, and staking if tall.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich, well-draining soil, and space for air flow.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Totally Tangerine' begins its life as a tuber which is planted in the spring after the last frost when the soil temperature reaches around 60°F. The plant sprouts and grows rapidly, with proper staking and support needed for the heavy blooms it will produce. Throughout the summer, it enters a vigorous vegetative stage, developing lush foliage and starting to set buds. By mid to late summer, it reaches the flowering stage, showcasing vibrant tangerine blooms that can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. As temperatures cool and daylight shortens in early fall, the plant begins to decline naturally; the foliage will yellow and the flowering diminishes. Before the first frost, the tubers are typically dug up and stored over the winter in a cool, frost-free place, to be replanted the following spring, thus completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine' is commonly propagated through division. This is ideally done in the spring just before the new growth begins. To propagate by division, you first need to dig up the tuberous roots of the plant after the foliage has died back, typically after the first fall frost. Gently clean the soil from the tubers and cut them into sections, ensuring that each division has at least one eye, which is a point from where new growth will emerge. Allow the cut surfaces to dry for a day or two to form a callus, helping to prevent rot. Then the divisions can be planted about 6 inches (approximately 15 cm) deep in the soil, spaced about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart, in a location that receives full sun. Water the divisions well after planting to encourage rooting and shoot growth.
