Dahlia Dahlia 'Twyning's Pink Fish' (Col)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Twyning's Pink Fish' is a striking flowering plant with a captivating appearance. The blossoms are the highlight of the plant, featuring an exquisite shade of soft pink that may have variations in intensity, creating a splash of color reminiscent of a coastal sunrise. Each flower is composed of numerous delicate petals that radiate around a central disc, forming a classic dahlia bloom that is both intricate and alluring. The petals are arranged in an orderly fashion, contributing to the flower's overall geometric beauty. Some of the petals may exhibit lighter or darker shades at their tips, adding to the plant's visual interest and giving each bloom a unique character. The foliage of the Dahlia 'Twyning's Pink Fish' contrasts nicely with the flowers. The leaves are typically rich green, creating a lush backdrop for the delicate pink blossoms. They have a slightly serrated edge and are arranged on sturdy stems that provide support for the showy flowers. The overall impression of the Dahlia 'Twyning's Pink Fish' is one of elegance and soft charm, with its pastel blooms and vibrant greenery making it a beloved addition to garden beds and floral displays. This dahlia variety brings a fresh and cheerful aura wherever it is planted, with blooms that can last through the summer and into the fall, depending on the climate and care it receives.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Twyning's Pink Fish' (Col).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant toxins in dahlia flowers that would cause poisoning in humans if ingested. However, as with any non-food plant, eating dahlias may cause mild stomach upset in some people due to the presence of indigestible fibers and other non-toxic compounds.
To pets
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. While they are not known to contain any poisonous substances that would cause serious harm to cats or dogs, ingestion may result in some gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, simply from the ingestion of plant material that is not part of the pet's regular diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Dahlias are well-known for their beautiful, vivid blossoms that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Variety of Colors: Dahlias like 'Twyning's Pink Fish' come in a range of colors, offering numerous options for garden color schemes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlias are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.
- Cut Flower Use: Dahlias have long-lasting flowers that are ideal for cutting and using in floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Breeding Potential: With their diverse genetic variations, dahlias are popular among breeders and gardeners who enjoy creating and discovering new varieties.
- Seasonal Interest: Dahlias generally bloom from midsummer to first frost, providing a long period of color and interest in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlias are relatively easy to grow and can be cultivated in a variety of climates with the right care.
- Community Involvement: Dahlias have a strong community of enthusiasts, allowing gardeners to participate in clubs and societies for support and sharing knowledge.
- Container Gardening: They can be successfully grown in pots, making them suitable for patios, balconies, and those with limited garden space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dyes: The petals of Dahlias can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, providing a range of subtle colors.
- Edible flowers: Dahlia petals are edible and can add a colorful garnish to salads or desserts, but always check for any specific cultivar-related toxicity before consumption.
- Crafts: Dried Dahlia flowers can be used in a variety of crafts such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in potpourri blends.
- Photography: Dahlias are popular subjects for photographers, offering striking images due to their vibrant colors and symmetrical shapes.
- Garden art: Deadheading spent Dahlia flowers can become an opportunity for creating garden art by painting on the dried flower heads or using them in sculptures.
- Floral water: Petals can be simmered in water to make a scented floral water for use in home fragrance or as a spray for linens.
- Natural pest control: Some gardeners use Dahlias as trap crops to lure away pests from more vulnerable plants.
- Baking decoration: Petals can be candied and used as edible decorations on cakes and pastries.
- Tattoo design: The beauty and variety of Dahlias can inspire tattoo designs, with some people embodying the flower's form in body art.
- Floating decorations: Petals or whole flowers can be floated in bowls of water as simple but elegant table centerpieces.
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: The dahlia's intricate petals and poised appearance convey a sense of grace and nobility.
- Commitment and Bond: Associated with lasting relationships and bonds, dahlias are often used to express sentiments of eternal loyalty.
- Diversity: With myriad forms and colors, dahlias symbolize diversity and the unique blend of traits that each individual carries.
- Creativity: The flower's radiant patterns and variety of shades are reminiscent of a creative spirit, making it symbolic of boldness and innovation.
- Change and Transition: As a flower that blooms from spring through fall, dahlias can also symbolize change and the ability to thrive despite challenges.
- Inner Strength: Despite their delicate appearance, dahlias stand strong against the elements, symbolizing inner resolve and perseverance.
WaterDahlias like 'Twyning's Pink Fish' should be watered deeply approximately 2 inches per week, which is about 1.5 gallons for a typical garden plant. The best method is to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In hot, dry weeks, water the plants two to three times a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Cut back on watering as the weather cools and especially once the plant has stopped flowering and is preparing to go dormant.
LightDahlias such as 'Twyning's Pink Fish' thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal location is in an area that receives morning sun and is protected from the strong heat of the late afternoon. They can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but full sun is necessary for best bloom production.
TemperatureDahlias, including the 'Twyning's Pink Fish' variety, prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can endure temperatures as low as 50 degrees at night but should not be exposed to frost, which can damage the plant. At the upper range, dahlias can tolerate temperatures up to 90 degrees but may require additional watering to cope with the heat.
PruningDahlias including 'Twyning's Pink Fish' benefit from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done as necessary to promote further blooming. In midsummer, pinch out the growing tips of the main stem to encourage lateral branching. Cut back the plants to ground level after they've finished blooming and the foliage has begun to yellow, which is often after the first light frost.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Twyning's Pink Fish' prefers a well-draining soil mixture rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and peat is ideal. Ensure proper drainage to avoid root rot.
RepottingDahlias, including the 'Twyning's Pink Fish', do not need frequent repotting and should generally be repotted every two to three years, or when the tubers outgrow their current container.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Twyning's Pink Fish' are adaptable to average humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dahlia indoors in bright, indirect light, and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant Dahlia outdoors in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Dahlia 'Twyning's Pink Fish' begins with the germination of its tuberous root in early spring once the soil has warmed sufficiently. As the plant grows, it develops a strong stem and first sets of leaves; it thrives in full sun with a regular watering schedule that keeps the soil moderately moist. As summer progresses, the Dahlia produces buds that bloom into its characteristic flowers with pink and white hues, attracting pollinators to the garden. The plant reaches maturity and peak bloom mid-summer to early fall, during which time it may require staking to support the heavy blooms. As temperatures drop in late fall, the plant begins to die back; the above-ground foliage will wither, signaling the time to cut back the dead material and, in colder climates, to lift and store the tubers to prevent freezing. The tubers overwinter in a frost-free environment, to be replanted the following spring, completing the annual cycle of the Dahlia 'Twyning's Pink Fish'.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: For Dahlia 'Twyning's Pink Fish', also simply known as Dahlia, the most popular method of propagation is by using tubers. The best time to propagate Dahlias by dividing tubers is in the spring once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has started to warm. When propagating by tubers, each division should contain at least one eye, which is a point on the tuber from which the new plant's shoots will emerge. To divide the tubers, carefully separate them using a sharp and clean knife, ensuring that each division has at least one eye and a portion of the original tuber attached. After cutting, it's beneficial to let the cut surface dry and callous over for a day before planting to reduce the risk of rot. Plant the tubers with the eyes facing upwards in well-draining soil, at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), and space them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to provide adequate room for growth. Proper care, including regular watering and fertilization, will help to ensure healthy growth and beautiful blooms.
