Dahlia Dahlia 'Weston Stardust' (C)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Weston Stardust' is a variety that displays a dazzling show of flowers. This plant is characterized by its stunning blooms that feature a blend of colors. The petals typically exhibit a gradient of hues, starting with a deep, vibrant shade at the base that softens and lightens as it extends towards the tips. The blossoms are arranged in a spiral pattern, creating a full, almost spherical shape that gives them a lush and opulent appearance. The petals themselves can range in shape from elongated and pointed to more rounded and slightly curled at the edges, contributing to the overall delicate and textured look of the flower. The center of each dahlia flower is a compact focal point, often contrasting in color and drawing the eye to the intricate patterns of the petals surrounding it. The foliage of 'Weston Stardust' complements the floral display, with deep green leaves that have serrated edges and are arranged along sturdy stems, creating an attractive backdrop for the showy flowers. The plant exhibits a vibrant and healthy growth that supports the blooms throughout their flowering season. Overall, Dahlia 'Weston Stardust' is a feast for the eyes with its rich, flamboyant flowers that can vary in color and form, creating a captivating display in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Weston Stardust'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are not considered toxic to humans. They are generally safe to grow in gardens where children and adults may interact with them, and accidental ingestion of small amounts typically does not result in harmful effects. However, as with any non-food plant, it's always best to discourage eating them, and if larger quantities are consumed, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Dahlias are considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. They can be safely grown in gardens without the expectation of harm if a pet were to chew on the leaves or flowers. Nonetheless, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and the consumption of any plant material may lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in some pets. It's advisable to monitor pets and try to prevent them from eating ornamental plants, including dahlias, to avoid any potential stomach upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (122 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Dahlias like 'Weston Stardust' offer stunning blooms that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Variety of Colors: This plant provides a wide range of colors, adding vibrancy to any planting scheme.
- Pollinator Attraction: Dahlia flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are ideal for cutting and creating floral arrangements thanks to their long vase life and striking appearance.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlias are relatively easy to cultivate, making them a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Extended Blooming: With proper care, Dahlias have a lengthy flowering season, from summer through fall.
- Symbolism and Meaning: Dahlias are associated with dignity and elegance, often used in celebrations and events for their symbolic value.
- Decorative Versatility: They can be planted in borders, containers, and beds, offering versatile options for garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlias like 'Weston Stardust' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing hues ranging from soft pinks to vibrant purples depending on the mordant used in the dyeing process.
- Due to their structured blooms, Dahlias can be used for practicing macro photography, allowing photographers to capture the intricate details of the petals and the rich colors.
- The tubers of Dahlias can be used as a model in educational settings to explain vegetative reproduction and tuberous root systems in plants.
- In the art world, the striking appearance of the Dahlia 'Weston Stardust' can inspire floral patterns in textile design, creating vibrant and eye-catching fabrics.
- The strong stems of Dahlias make them ideal for creating living sculptures or as part of a floral installation in landscape design.
- Pressed Dahlia flowers can be used in crafting, such as for making handmade paper or in the creation of botanical jewelry through encapsulation in resin.
- The geometric form and symmetry of Dahlias can serve as an educational tool in botany and horticulture courses to illustrate the principles of flower form and phyllotaxy.
- Culinary uses for the petals of edible Dahlias like 'Weston Stardust' include using them as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts, adding a vibrant touch to dishes.
- Used in cultural and religious ceremonies, Dahlias can play a role in events due to their diverse symbolism, such as representing commitment or a lasting bond between two people.
- As a source of inspiration for designers and artists, Dahlias can influence a range of creative works from canvas art, to fashion design, to the aesthetics of home decor.
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: Dahlia flowers, with their intricate petals and stunning beauty, symbolize a poised grace and a sense of high sophistication.
- Commitment and Bond: The Dahlia is often associated with a lasting bond and commitment between two people, making it a popular choice in floral wedding arrangements.
- Diversity and Uniqueness: With its various forms and colors, the Dahlia represents diversity and the celebration of uniqueness.
- Change and Transformation: As the Dahlia blooms through the late summer and into the fall, it symbolizes the changes and transitions in life, inviting one to embrace change with grace.
- Warning and Caution: In the Victorian language of flowers, Dahlias were sometimes associated with instability or deception, serving as a cautionary symbol to the receiver.
WaterDahlias, including the 'Weston Stardust', prefer even moisture with thorough watering. Water the dahlia deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons per plant each time, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, watering may need to be increased. Frequency should be adjusted to ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant early in the day.
LightDahlias thrive in full sun locations, so the 'Weston Stardust' should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot is one where morning sunlight is strong, as this helps dry dew from the foliage, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid planting in areas prone to afternoon shade or overly bright, reflected light, which may stress the plant.
TemperatureDahlias such as the 'Weston Stardust' prefer a growing environment where temperatures range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not frost-tolerant, so the minimum temperature should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Once temperatures climb above 75 degrees, plants may need additional water and partial shading during the hottest part of the day.
PruningFor dahlias, including 'Weston Stardust', pruning, also known as deadheading, encourages more blooms and extends the flowering season. Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming throughout the summer. In late summer, cut back the taller varieties to about 3 feet to manage plant height and improve stability against wind. Pruning is best done with clean, sharp tools to prevent any damage or disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0; a mix of loamy soil, peat moss, and sand is often recommended. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
RepottingDahlias, including 'Weston Stardust', generally don't need annual repotting as they are grown from tubers each season. However, dividing tubers every 2-3 years in the spring can maintain plant vigor.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Weston Stardust' prefer moderate humidity levels, but they are tolerant of a range of conditions as long as they have good air circulation and are not sitting in wet soil.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow dahlias indoors with ample light, stakes for support, and good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant dahlias outdoors after frost in well-draining soil and full sun.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Weston Stardust' begins its life cycle as a tuber planted in the spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed. The plant then germinates and starts to develop roots and shoots, later developing into a small seedling with a few leaves. As it matures, the dahlia grows several stems and a lush foliage, reaching its full vegetative state. During the summer and continuing into fall, the dahlia blooms, producing vibrant, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, as temperatures cool and daylight decreases, the dahlia's above-ground growth starts to die back and the plant enters dormancy. The tubers can be overwintered by digging them up and storing them in a cool, dry place, to be replanted the following spring, thus completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Dahlia 'Weston Stardust' is through division of tubers. This process typically occurs in the spring just before the growing season starts, when the soil is workable and the danger of frost has passed. Gardeners will dig up the clump of tubers that have been overwintered and stored in a cool, dry place. Each clump is carefully separated into individual tubers, ensuring that each section has at least one eye (bud) from which a new plant will grow. The cuts are often treated with a fungicide to prevent rot. The divided tubers are then planted about 6 to 8 inches deep (15 to 20 centimeters) in well-drained soil with the eyes pointing up, spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters) to allow adequate room for growth.
