Dahlia Dahlia 'Trelyn Rebecca' (Col)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Trelyn Rebecca' exhibits an opulent display of vibrant colors and a grandiose structure, which instantly captivates the gaze of any onlooker. This flower is characterized by its stunning petals that are delicately arranged in a manner reminiscent of an artist's paintbrush strokes. These petals present themselves in a symphony of hues, typically featuring gradients that blend seamlessly from one shade to another, or even bold contrasting colors that create a striking visual spectacle. The petals of 'Trelyn Rebecca' are often known for their intricate shapes and patterns. They can be long and tapered, curling at the edges, or broad and slightly ruffled, giving the bloom a full-bodied appearance. These lush petals are densely packed, spiraling from the outer edges into the heart of the flower, which might be of a distinct tone, often highlighting the depth and dimension of each bloom. As part of the dahlia family, 'Trelyn Rebecca' boasts the hallmark traits of lush, green foliage that provides a perfect backdrop to the floral exhibition. The leaves are typically deep green, shaped with pointed tips and serrated edges that add to the overall texture of the plant. They are arranged in a way that balances the flower heads, making them stand out even more prominently. In addition to the striking blooms and verdant foliage, the plant may sometimes showcase stems that are sturdy and robust, serving as pillars that uphold the weight and magnificence of the flowers. These stems help the flowers reach towards the light, displaying their full glory to any admirer within view. Overall, Dahlia 'Trelyn Rebecca' is a true botanical wonder, enchanting gardens and spaces with its mesmerizing blooms that exude elegance, vibrancy, and a sheer love for life.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Trelyn Rebecca' (Col).
ToxicityTo humans
Generally, dahlias are not considered toxic to humans. They are not known to contain substances that cause serious poisoning when touched or ingested.
To pets
Dahlias are also considered non-toxic to pets. They do not typically cause serious problems if pets consume parts of the plant. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion could potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Dahlia 'Trelyn Rebecca' adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its striking flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Dahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in borders, beds, and as cut flowers due to their long stems and large blooms.
- Long Blooming Season: They typically bloom from mid-summer to the first frost, providing color for an extended period.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The petals of the dahlia can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric, offering a range of colors from pinks to deep purples depending on the mordant used.
- Insect Feeding Grounds: Dahlias can attract beneficial insects to the garden, such as ladybugs and bees, which can help in pollinating plants and controlling pests.
- Garden Design and Structure: With their sturdy stems and height, dahlias can provide architecture in garden design, adding vertical interest and serving as a backdrop for other plants.
- Culinary Garnish: Petals of the dahlia are edible and can be used to add a splash of color and elegance when garnishing salads and desserts.
- Photography Subject: The striking beauty of dahlia blooms make them excellent subjects for photographers, especially those specializing in macro photography and botanical art.
- Fashion Inspiration: The vivid colors and shapes of dahlia flowers can inspire textile designs, prints, and patterns in the fashion industry.
- Cultural and Artistic Symbol: Dahlias can be incorporated into cultural events and artistic creations as they hold various symbolisms in different cultures, such as standing for dignity and elegance.
- Teaching Botany: Dahlias, due to their diverse forms and genetics, can serve as a practical teaching tool for botany students, illustrating plant breeding and genetics.
- Floral Crafts: Dried dahlia flowers can be used in making floral arrangements, wreaths, and other craft projects that require dried blooms.
- Companion Planting: Planting dahlias in the vegetable garden can help deter some pests away from more susceptible vegetables and can potentially improve growth and health.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Grace Under Pressure: Dahlia 'Trelyn Rebecca' is known to withstand unfavorable conditions and still produce beautiful blooms, representing resilience and poise no matter what challenges are faced.
- Diversity: With its range of colors and forms, dahlias symbolize the variety and richness found in our society, reminding us to celebrate our differences.
- Elegance and Dignity: The striking appearance of the dahlia flower signifies a sense of sophistication and a dignified grace, often used to honor achievements or convey respect.
- Change and Transformation: As dahlias bloom throughout the summer and into fall, they are often associated with changing seasons, representing personal growth and change in life.
- Commitment and Bond: Due to their intricate petals and enduring nature, dahlias are sometimes given as tokens of a lasting bond or commitment between individuals.
- Warning and Betrayal: However, in some traditions and stories, dahlias can also symbolize a warning of change or even betrayal, possibly because of their complex structure.
WaterDahlias require consistent moisture, so it's pivotal to keep their soil evenly moist but not soggy. For the 'Trelyn Rebecca' variety, water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time, which typically translates to about 0.5 to 1 gallons per watering session, depending on the size of the plant and weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain proper moisture levels, particularly if your dahlias are in containers. Decrease watering as the weather cools and especially once the plants have stopped blooming and are dying back in the fall.
LightDahlias, including 'Trelyn Rebecca', thrive best in full sun. They should be placed in a spot where they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting them in areas that are prone to shading by buildings, trees, or other garden structures. The ideal spot is one that gets abundant morning sunlight, which provides the intensity of the light they need without the harshness of the midday sun in extremely hot climates.
TemperatureDahlias like 'Trelyn Rebecca' perform best in temperate conditions and are hardy to USDA Zones 8 through 11. They prefer daytime temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can survive a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It’s important to protect dahlias from frost, which can be damaging, so once temperatures begin to drop near 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the fall, you should consider digging up the tubers and storing them over winter.
PruningPruning dahlias like 'Trelyn Rebecca' encourages better airflow, reduces the risk of disease, and can lead to more vigorous blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooms. Cut back the stems by about one-third in early summer to encourage lateral branching, which will result in more flowers. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer a rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. For 'Trelyn Rebecca', a mix of garden soil, compost, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts works well to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingDahlias typically do not require frequent repotting. 'Trelyn Rebecca' should be repotted when the tuber outgrows its container or every two to three years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Trelyn Rebecca' prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They can tolerate humidity levels common in most temperate climates without issue.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Trelyn Rebecca' Dahlia in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Trelyn Rebecca' Dahlia in full sun with good soil drainage.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Dahlia 'Trelyn Rebecca' begins when a tuber is planted in well-draining soil after the last frost in spring. The tuber then sprouts and produces green foliage, eventually forming a sturdy stem. As the plant grows, it develops a bushy appearance with many leaves, and in due time, buds appear. These buds mature into showy flowers, usually blooming from mid-summer to the first fall frost, with a range of colors depending on the variety. After blooming, if the flowers are not deadheaded, they will produce seeds, but dahlias are typically propagated through division of tubers rather than seeds. Come late autumn, after the first frost, the plant will die back and the tubers can be dug up, stored during winter, and replanted the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The optimal time to propagate Dahlia 'Trelyn Rebecca', which is commonly known as a type of dahlia, is in the early spring when the risk of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up. The most popular method of propagation for dahlias is through division of the tubers, each of which should have at least one eye, or growth point, from which new shoots will emerge. Gardeners typically divide tubers when they remove them from the ground for winter storage or just before replanting them after the last frost. It's important to use a clean, sharp knife to divide the tubers, making sure each cut piece has at least one eye. Once cut, the tuber pieces can be allowed to dry for a day or two to form a callus over the cuts, which helps to prevent rot. These pieces can then be planted about 4-6 inches deep (10-15 cm), spaced about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart, in well-draining soil with the eyes pointing upwards. In about 6 to 8 weeks, the shoots should emerge from the soil, signaling successful propagation.
