Dahlia Dahlia 'Weston Buccaneer' (C)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Weston Buccaneer' is a strikingly beautiful decorative flower. This variety showcases vibrant red petals with hints of yellow at their base, giving them a fiery appearance. The petals are arranged in a dense, almost spherical formation that creates a full and lush bloom. The intricacies of each petal fold contribute to the textured and layered look of the flower head, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden. The foliage of the Dahlia 'Weston Buccaneer' consists of rich green leaves that create a lush backdrop for the stunning flowers. The leaves themselves are shaped with smooth edges and have a slight sheen, adding to the plant's overall vibrancy. When in bloom, the flowers stand out against the greenery, demanding attention with their bold coloration and intricate form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Weston Buccaneer'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Weston Buccaneer', are not considered toxic to humans. They do not typically pose a risk of poisoning if touched or ingested in small quantities. However, like any plant material, they could cause a mild stomach upset if ingested in larger amounts due to their fiber content and non-digestible components. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with dahlias, as they are generally safe for humans when handled and encountered in a garden setting.
To pets
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Weston Buccaneer', are generally considered non-toxic to pets. They are not known to cause serious poisoning if pets ingest parts of the plant. However, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and the consumption of any plant material might lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in some pets. It is always a good practice to prevent pets from eating large amounts of any non-food plants, including dahlias, due to the potential for these mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Dahlias add vibrant color and texture to garden spaces with their diverse range of flower shapes and sizes.
- Pollinator Attraction: Dahlias are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Versatility: They are suitable for planting in borders, flower beds, and containers, providing flexibility in garden design and space usage.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias produce flowers from midsummer until the first frosts, providing extended periods of visual interest.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of Dahlias are long-lasting when cut and are popular in floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Variety: With numerous cultivars available, Dahlias offer a vast selection of colors, forms, and sizes to fit any gardener's preference.
- Easy Propagation: They can be easily propagated by division or from seed, allowing gardeners to increase their stock or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals of Dahlias can be used to produce a range of vibrant dyes for coloring textiles.
- Photography Subject: Dahlia flowers are often used by photographers as a subject for macro photography because of their intricate petal structures and vivid colors.
- Educational Tool: Dahlias can be used in botany classes to teach about plant biology, hybridization, and genetics due to their wide variety of forms and colors.
- Floral Art: Both fresh and dried Dahlia flowers are used in floral art and decoration, for creating stunning arrangements and displays.
- Wedding Decor: Dahlias, with their lush blooms, are a popular choice for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of Dahlia petals can be used to add a splash of color as garnishes for salads and desserts.
- Crafting: Dried Dahlia petals and heads can be used as natural elements in crafting, such as in potpourri or in the making of organic jewelry.
- Companion Planting: Dahlias can be planted alongside vegetables in a garden to enhance biodiversity and possibly deter certain pests with their bright flowers.
- Event Theming: Due to their vibrant appearance, Dahlias can be used to theme events or parties, particularly summer or fall gatherings.
- Flower Shows: Dahlia enthusiasts often grow extraordinary specimens specifically for entering them in flower shows and competitions.
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 is known for its intricate petals and stunning form, representing a graceful sense of self-respect and nobility.
- Change and Diversity: With its various colors and forms, dahlias symbolize the unique beauty in difference and the embrace of change.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are known to express sentiments of everlasting commitment, often used in floral arrangements to signify a lasting bond.
- Warning and Betrayal: In some cultures, dahlias can also hold a more negative symbolism, suggesting a sentiment of betrayal or a warning about an impending situation.
WaterDahlias require a consistent watering schedule to ensure a healthy bloom, particularly during the growing season. For Dahlia 'Weston Buccaneer', water thoroughly once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water. Ensure the soil is damp to a depth of about 6 inches, which typically equates to approximately 0.5 to 1 gallons per plant, depending on soil type and weather conditions. During periods of high heat or drought, more frequent watering may be necessary. Reduce watering once the blooming season ends and the foliage begins to yellow in the fall.
LightDahlias, including the Dahlia 'Weston Buccaneer', thrive in areas where they can receive full sun exposure for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Select a spot in the garden that is sun-drenched, as ample sunlight is crucial for optimal growth and blooming. However, in very hot climates, they can benefit from partial shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent overheating.
TemperatureDahlias like the 'Weston Buccaneer' prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for ideal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but extended exposure outside of their ideal range can inhibit growth or damage the plants. Always avoid exposing them to freezing temperatures, as dahlias are not frost-tolerant.
PruningPruning Dahlias like 'Weston Buccaneer' regularly can encourage robust growth and a greater number of blooms. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. Cut back the stems to the main plant to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage more blooms. The best time for pruning is when the flowers begin to fade.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer fertile, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix for Dahlia 'Weston Pirate' can be prepared by mixing equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage. It's beneficial to add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil mix to provide additional nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingDahlias, including Dahlia 'Weston Pirate,' generally do not need to be repotted often as they are typically grown as annuals; however, if you're growing them as perennials from tubers, you may lift and divide the tubers to repot every 2 to 3 years to encourage vigorous growth and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Weston Pirate' do best in moderate humidity levels, as they are not particularly humidity-sensitive. Maintaining typical outdoor humidity conditions is usually sufficient, without the need for any special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Dahlia 'Weston Pirate' indoors in bright, indirect light and ample airflow.
Outdoor
Plant Dahlia 'Weston Pirate' in full sun and rich, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Weston Buccaneer' begins its life as a tuber, typically planted in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed. It then sprouts and produces foliage, followed by a stem that grows upright. This is a vegetative growth stage where leaves expand and the plant gains strength. As the plant matures, flower buds develop and eventually bloom into its distinctive colorful flowers during the summer and into the early fall. After flowering, as temperatures drop and daylight shortens, the plant enters senescence, where the above-ground foliage dies back. The tubers can then be dug up and stored over winter to be replanted the next spring, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Dahlia 'Weston Buccaneer', commonly known as dahlia, is most effectively propagated through division of tubers, which can be performed during the dormant season, typically early spring. To propagate by division, carefully lift the tuber clumps from the ground and gently brush off any excess soil. Using a sharp knife, divide the clumps into sections making sure that each division contains at least one eye or bud, which is critical for the development of a new plant. Divided tubers should be allowed to dry for a day or two to allow the cut surfaces to callus, reducing the risk of rot when planted. The divisions can then be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to provide ample room for growth. It's essential to water the newly planted tubers sparingly until new growth begins to ensure they don't rot in damp soil.
