Dahlia Dahlia 'Trelyn Daisy' (Col)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Trelyn Daisy' is a showy, vibrant plant well-known for its stunning blooms. The flowers are the most captivating aspect, featuring a spectacular array of colors. The blossoms of this Dahlia are characterized by a mix of pink and white tones, with petals that graduate from a soft pink at the base to a creamy white at the tips, giving each flower a delicate and cheerful appearance. The petals are organized in a precise, orderly manner that gives the flowers a neat, almost geometric look. Soft pink hues at the petal bases intensify the sense of depth and dimension of the blooms. In the center, you will find a group of disc florets that form an eye-catching contrast with the surrounding petals. These inner florets are typically a more vibrant shade, drawing in pollinators. The foliage of 'Trelyn Daisy' provides a lush backdrop for the floral display, with deep green leaves that have a bright, glossy finish. The leaves may have serrated edges, adding texture and interest to the overall appearance of the plant. Overall, the juxtaposition of the vibrant blooms against the rich greenery makes the Dahlia 'Trelyn Daisy' a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts for its display of stunning colors and pleasing aesthetic.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia, Georgina
Common names
Dahlia 'Trelyn Daisy' (Col).
- Toxicity
To humans
Dahlias, including the 'Trelyn Daisy' variety, are not considered toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of toxicity from ingesting any part of the plant, and handling dahlias does not generally pose a risk for skin irritation or allergic reactions for most people.
To pets
Dahlias, including the 'Trelyn Daisy' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of plant parts typically does not result in serious poisoning. However, gastrointestinal upset is a possibility if a pet eats a large amount of dahlia plant material, which could result in symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlia 'Trelyn Daisy' is a vibrant flower that can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding pollination in the garden.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: With its colorful and lively flowers, it adds beauty and visual interest to gardens, borders, and landscapes.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for planting in containers, beds, and as cut flowers, offering various uses from a single plant variety.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias, including 'Trelyn Daisy', have a long flowering period which ensures colorful blooms from midsummer to the first frosts of autumn.
- Ease of Care: Generally easy to grow and maintain, making them a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Provides Structure: Their sturdy stems and bushy growth can add form and structure to floral arrangements and garden designs.
- 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
- Dahlia petals can be used to create a natural plant dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The tubers of dahlias can be used to make a type of sweet syrup, sometimes used as an alternative to honey or sugar.
- Due to their complex structure, dahlia flowers are studied for biomimicry applications in engineering and design.
- In some cultures, dahlia flowers are used in ceremonies and rituals for their symbolic meanings, such as commitment and elegance.
- Edible varieties of dahlia tubers are a traditional food source in some indigenous cultures, similar to the way potatoes are eaten.
- Dahlias are used in the art of flower pressing, where their vibrant colors and diverse forms create unique and lasting art pieces.
- Dahlia blooms can be a natural source of food coloring for cakes and pastries when seeking organic or natural ingredients.
- The hollow stems of dahlias can be creatively utilized as natural straws or for crafting purposes.
- Decomposed dahlias, like other organic matter, can contribute to compost and enhance soil quality in gardens.
- In floristry education, dahlias are used to teach complex arrangement techniques due to their varied forms and sturdy stems.
Interesting Facts
- 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: Because of their sophisticated bloom structure and impressive presence in a garden, dahlias symbolize elegance and dignity, making them a perfect representation of someone who carries themselves with grace.
- Commitment and Bond: The dahlia's variety in color and form can signify a lasting commitment and bond between two people, often used to represent a long-lasting relationship or marriage.
- Change and Variety: Dahlias come in a wide range of colors and shapes, which can symbolize diversity, change, and variety in life, as well as the ability to embrace new experiences.
- Inner Strength: Due to their sturdy stems that hold up the heavy flower heads, dahlias are often associated with inner strength, suggesting the quality of withstanding challenging circumstances.
- Water
Dahlia 'Trelyn Daisy' requires consistent moisture, so you should water them to keep the soil slightly damp but never soggy. Typically, you should water these dahlias with about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. During the active growing season, especially in the absence of rain, you might find the need to water them 2 to 3 times per week. It's essential to use a gentle watering method, like a drip line or a hose with a diffuser nozzle, to avoid displacing soil or damaging the flowers and foliage. Ensure that the water reaches deep into the soil to encourage deep root growth.
- Light
Dahlias prefer full sun conditions, so place your Dahlia 'Trelyn Daisy' in a spot where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. They thrive in areas with morning sunlight and some partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon, if possible. Avoid placing them in full shade as it can lead to poor bloom production and weak, elongated growth.
- Temperature
For the Dahlia 'Trelyn Daisy', the ideal growing temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of the 60-to-75-degree range can stress the plant and affect its blooming and growth.
- Pruning
Pruning Dahlias such as 'Trelyn Daisy' encourages better blooms and a more vigorous plant. Deadheading, or pruning off spent flowers, should be done regularly, as often as every three days during the peak blooming season, to maintain plant aesthetic and encourage more blooms. Additionally, cutting back the plant in midsummer, by removing about a third of the plant, can lead to a bushier plant with more flowers. The best time to prune is in the morning when the plant is well-hydrated.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Dahlias like 'Trelyn Daisy' thrive best in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil to one part peat or coco coir and one part perlite or sand provides aeration and proper drainage. It's important to ensure the soil is nutrient-rich, so incorporating compost or well-rotted manure can enhance plant health and bloom quality. Regular soil testing and amendment can help maintain optimal conditions for these vibrant flowers.
- Repotting
Dahlias such as 'Trelyn Daisy' generally need to be repotted every year if they are grown in containers. These tuberous plants require fresh soil to provide the nutrients necessary for healthy growth and bloom production. The best time to repot is in the early spring as new growth begins. Always choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one to prevent the soil from remaining too wet and causing rot.
- Humidity & Misting
Dahlias, including 'Trelyn Daisy', prefer moderate humidity levels. While they can adapt to various conditions, maintaining humidity around 40-60% is generally best to prevent issues such as powdery mildew. They do not require the high humidity levels that some tropical plants might, making them suitable for many temperate garden environments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place 'Trelyn Daisy' in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant 'Trelyn Daisy' in full sun, ensure well-draining soil and spacing.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Dahlia 'Trelyn Daisy' begins with seed germination, where under the correct conditions of warmth and moisture, the plant's seeds sprout roots and shoots. Following germination, the seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the primary leaves as the plant establishes itself. The vegetative stage then sees rapid growth as the dahlia develops its characteristic foliage and robust stem structure in preparation for blooming. Flowering occurs during the reproductive stage, where the 'Trelyn Daisy' dahlias produce their showy, colorful blooms that are often sought after for ornamental purposes. After pollination, if it occurs, seeds develop which concludes the reproductive phase. Finally, the post-blooming phase for dahlias often involves a period of senescence or dormancy, especially in colder climates, where the tubers can be overwintered for planting in the next season to complete the cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dahlia 'Trelyn Daisy', commonly known as just Dahlia, is best propagated through division, which is typically done in the spring when new shoots begin to emerge from the tubers. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the tuber clump after the foliage has died back post-frost in the fall or just before growth restarts in the spring. Gently separate the tubers, ensuring each section has at least one eye or bud from which new growth can sprout. Cuttings can also be taken in spring from the new shoots, but division remains the most popular because it is straightforward and helps to rejuvenate clumps that have become too dense. It's important to let the cut surfaces of the divided tubers dry for a day or two to form a protective callus before planting them back into the soil. The divided tubers should be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, with the eye or bud facing upwards, and spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to give each new plant ample room to grow.