Dahlia Dahlia 'White Alva's' (D)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'White Alva's' boasts a stunning display with its predominantly white flowers that exude a sense of elegance and purity. The blossoms are characterized by their layered petals that surround a central disc, giving them a full and lush appearance. In hue, they are a crisp white which often have slight hints of creamy or ivory shades near the petal bases, adding depth and subtle contrast to the flower's overall coloration. The petals usually have a rounded shape with a gentle taper towards the edges, contributing to a soft and sophisticated outline. As the flowers bloom, they present a symmetrical arrangement that is visually pleasing, with the potential to create a striking focal point in any garden setting. The plant itself has a sturdy structure, with strong stems that hold the blooms aloft, ensuring they make an impressive display against the backdrop of dark green foliage. The leaves are usually deeply lobed or serrated, providing a lush canopy around the flowers and adding to the textural interest of the plant. Overall, Dahlia 'White Alva's' is a charming addition to gardens and landscapes, celebrated for its refined flowers that can add a touch of class to any setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
White Alva's Dahlias, Dahlia 'White Alva'
Common names
Dahlia 'White Alva's'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are not considered toxic to humans. In fact, some cultures even use the tubers of certain Dahlia varieties as a food source. There should be no toxic effects from handling or ingesting Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'White Alva's'. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergic reactions are possible.
To pets
Dahlias are generally safe and are not known to be toxic to pets. The Dahlia 'White Alva's' should not cause serious symptoms of poisoning if pets consume it. However, consumption of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the fibrous plant material, rather than actual toxicity. It is still wise to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants to prevent any potential stomach upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Dahlias feature showy and large flowers that can serve as a centerpiece in garden design.
- Variety of Uses: Ideal for use in borders, containers, and as cut flowers due to their long stems and striking appearance.
- Long Flowering Season: They typically bloom from mid-summer through fall, offering extended color in the garden.
- Pollinator Friendly: Dahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: With proper care, dahlias are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Rapid Growth: These plants can grow quickly and provide a full display in the first season after planting.
- Propagatable: Tubers can be divided to propagate new plants, making them economical and sustainable for garden expansion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: With its striking white blooms, the Dahlia can be an exceptional subject for photographers, particularly in macro photography to capture the intricate details of the petals.
- Fabric Dye: The petals of the Dahlia can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, imparting a soft color based on the flower's hue.
- Artistic Inspiration: Dahlias can inspire artists, providing a muse for paintings, drawings, or even sculpture with their complex geometric form and pure color.
- Educational Tool: In botanical studies, the Dahlia can serve as a learning specimen to study plant structure, hybridization, and breeding practices.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not a common practice, the Dahlia's petals are edible and can add an elegant touch to fine dishes as a garnish.
- Craft Material: The petals and blooms of the Dahlia can be used in crafting, whether pressed for scrapbooking or integrated into handmade paper for a unique texture.
- Mood Enhancer: Due to their beauty and vibrance, Dahlias can be used in color therapy or to create a pleasant and inspiring environment, potentially boosting mental well-being.
- Symbolic Gift: The Dahlia can represent commitment and bond that lasts forever, making it a profound gift for special friends or family members in lieu of traditional flowers like roses.
- Natural Pest Deterrent: Some gardeners plant Dahlias as a companion plant in their vegetable gardens, as they can help deter certain pests naturally without the use of harmful chemicals.
- Floating Decorations: The blooms of the Dahlia can float on water, providing an elegant touch to water features at events or in 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: The refined appearance of the 'White Alva' dahlia suggests a sense of grace and formality, making it a symbol of elegance and dignity.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are often associated with lasting bonds and commitments, making them perfect for occasions that celebrate long-term relationships or partnerships.
- Positive Change: With its striking bloom, the dahlia can represent positive change or transformation, symbolizing new beginnings or significant life changes.
- Creative Spirit: The intricate petals and unique beauty of dahlias are thought to embody creativity, making them a symbol of artistic expression and innovation.
- Inner Strength: Due to their robust nature, dahlias can symbolize inner strength, resilience, and the ability to thrive in challenging circumstances.
WaterDahlias prefer to have a steady amount of moisture without being waterlogged. Water the 'White Alva's' Dahlia with about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, concentrating the water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to fungal diseases. During the growing season, particularly in drier periods, water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week, using up to 2 gallons per plant on each occasion, depending on soil type and climate. It’s important to reduce watering as the flower buds mature to encourage strong blooms. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent rot.
LightDahlias like 'White Alva's' thrive in locations with full sunlight. They need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to develop strong stems and vibrant blooms. The ideal spot for 'White Alva's' Dahlia is in a garden bed or border that receives uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day, away from taller plants that could create shade.
TemperatureThe 'White Alva's' Dahlia prefers temperatures that range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night and can tolerate highs up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. It is imperative to protect dahlias from frost, as they are sensitive and can be severely damaged or killed by freezing temperatures.
PruningPrune the 'White Alva's' Dahlia to encourage bushier growth, larger blooms, and to remove spent flowers, which is known as deadheading. Initiate pruning or pinching back by removing the top 4 inches of the plant when it's about a foot tall. Throughout the blooming season, frequently deadhead by cutting off wilted heads. The best time to prune is during the active growing season, from spring to early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix for Dahlia 'White Alva's' consists of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. Regularly adding organic matter like compost can enhance soil fertility and structure.
RepottingDahlias, including the Dahlia 'White Alva's,' typically do not need to be repotted as they grow from tubers which are planted annually. However, after the first frost in the fall, the tubers should be lifted, stored for winter, and then replanted the following spring.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like Dahlia 'White Alva's' prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive outdoors where the humidity is naturally regulated and do not have particular humidity requirements beyond normal outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, with spaced positioning for airflow.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Dahlia 'White Alva' begins with a tuber being planted in the soil in spring after the last frost has passed. The tuber sprouts and a small shoot emerges from the ground, developing into a sturdy stem with leaves. As the plant matures, it produces large, vibrant white blossoms typically from midsummer until the first frost in fall. Throughout the blooming period, dahlias can be deadheaded to encourage continued flowering. After blooming, as the weather cools, the plant’s above-ground growth withers and dies back, while the tuber below the soil goes dormant through the winter. The tuber can be left in the ground if the climate is mild, or dug up, stored in a cool, frost-free place, and then replanted the following spring, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'White Alva's' is through division, which is ideally done in the spring just before new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully unearth the tuberous roots after the first frost has killed the foliage but before the ground has frozen, usually around late fall. Wash the soil off the tubers and let them dry for a few days in a well-ventilated space. Once dry, cut the tubers into sections ensuring that each division has at least one eye, which is a small bump or bud from which the new plant will grow. The cut should be made with a clean, sharp knife. Dust the cut surfaces with fungicide powder to prevent rot, then store the divided tubers in a cool, dry place over winter. In spring, plant the tuberous roots about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep, with the eye pointing upward, and space them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 46 to 61 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for the mature plant.
