Dahlia Dahlia 'Wootton Cupid' (Ba)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Wootton Cupid' showcases a stunning visual display with its distinctive flowers and foliage. The blossoms of this Dahlia are particularly eye-catching, featuring layers of petals that can exhibit a range of colors from soft pinks to bold, deep hues. The petals are usually arranged in a symmetrical pattern that radiates from the center, creating a striking rosette shape. The center of the flower often displays a contrasting color or a different shade, which accentuates the geometry of the petal arrangement. The lush green leaves provide a verdant backdrop to the bright and colorful flowers, offering a harmonious contrast that highlights the beauty of the blooms. With a robust and bushy appearance, the plant is covered with these intricate flowers during its blooming season, making it a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts for its ornamental appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Wootton Cupid' (Ba).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the variety 'Wootton Cupid', are not considered toxic to humans. They are generally safe when touched and ingested in small quantities. However, like any plant material, individuals may have allergies or sensitivities that could cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction. If significant amounts were consumed, gastrointestinal discomfort might occur due to the fibrous nature of plant material, but such instances are uncommon.
To pets
Dahlias, including the variety 'Wootton Cupid', are generally considered non-toxic to pets. They do not contain substances known to be poisonous to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. However, as with humans, ingestion of large amounts of plant material can lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It is always advisable to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from eating plants to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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: Bright and colorful blooms enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Variety: Offers a diverse range of flower shapes and sizes, adding visual interest to garden arrangements.
- Pollinator Attraction: Draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Season: Provides flowers from midsummer until the first frost, ensuring continuous garden color.
- Cut Flowers: Excellent for creating vibrant and long-lasting floral arrangements.
- Versatility: Suitable for beds, borders, and container gardening, fitting into various garden designs.
- Ease of Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, tubers, or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their collection.
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 the dahlia can be used to create a range of vibrant colors for dyeing fabrics in a natural and eco-friendly way.
- Photography subject: Dahlia's stunning blooms make it a beloved subject for photographers looking to capture its beauty in gardens or as part of floral arrangements.
- Edible flowers: Some varieties of dahlia are edible and can be used to add a splash of color and a unique flavor to salads or as a garnish on dishes.
- Garden biodiversity: Planting dahlias can help attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, thereby enhancing the biodiversity of a garden.
- Educational tool: Dahlias can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant biology, hybridization, and genetics due to their diverse colors and forms.
- Artistic inspiration: The diverse forms and colors of dahlias can inspire artists to create paintings, illustrations, and other artistic works.
- Theme gardens: Dahlias can be featured in theme gardens, such as a Victorian garden or a rainbow garden where their various colors can be showcased.
- Floating decorations: Dahlia flowers can float on water, making them a beautiful addition to garden ponds or bowls of water as a centerpiece for tables.
- Symbolism and ceremonies: Dahlias carry different meanings in various cultures and can be used in ceremonial events as symbols of commitment, or to express sentiments like dignity and elegance.
- Culinary events: The unique appearance of dahlias can be employed as part of the decor for food and wine festivals, or culinary exhibitions where visual appeal is paramount.
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 sophisticated bloom structure and diverse color spectrum represent a dignified form of beauty and a refined elegance in the plant language.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias, with their multitude of petals, symbolize a lasting union and commitment between two people, often used in flower arrangements to denote a strong, ever-lasting bond.
- Innovative Change: Due to the dahlia's diverse forms and colors, it can also stand for embracing positive change and diversity in life.
- Inner Strength: The strength of the dahlia's stem and its ability to bloom boldly makes it a symbol of inner strength and the capacity to stand out with grace in challenging circumstances.
- Warning: Some cultures may look at the dahlia's imposing presence as a symbol of a cautionary message, to stay dignified or to avoid involvement in certain situations.
WaterDahlias, including the 'Wootton Cupid,' prefer a consistent watering schedule that keeps the soil evenly moist but not soggy. It is best to water these plants two to three times a week, depending on the weather conditions, with about a gallon of water each time for outdoor plants. For container-grown dahlias, check the soil moisture more frequently and water when the top inch feels dry. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During peak blooming season, dahlias may require more water to support their vigorous growth and large blooms.
LightDahlias like 'Wootton Cupid' thrive in full sun, which means they prefer at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these plants is in an area that receives unobstructed sunlight during the majority of the day. However, in very hot climates, dahlias can benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat of late day sun.
TemperatureDahlias, such as 'Wootton Cupid,' grow best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures in the high 40s but are not frost-tolerant and should be protected or lifted if temperatures drop below 40°F. Maximum temperatures for dahlias should not exceed 90°F for prolonged periods, as extreme heat can stress the plant and affect blooming.
PruningPruning dahlias such as 'Wootton Cupid' is done to encourage bushier plants and more blooms. Pinch back the main stem when the plant is about a foot tall to promote branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate further blooming. At the end of the blooming season, cut back the stems after the first frost if you live in a colder climate, or leave the foliage until it dies back in milder areas.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Wootton Cupid' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter such as compost. A balanced potting mix with loam, peat, and perlite or sand is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingDahlias, including 'Wootton Cupid', generally do not need to be repotted frequently as they are often grown as annuals. However, dahlia tubers should be dug up annually after the first frost, stored during winter, and replanted in the spring.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Wootton Cupid' prefer average humidity levels. They do not have specific humidity requirements but perform best with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist, and ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Dahlia 'Wootton Cupid' begins with seed germination, where the seed requires warm soil to sprout and start developing roots and shoots. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a young plant with foliage, at which point tubers start to develop underground. The plant then matures and enters the vegetative stage, during which it forms a bushy structure with ample leaves and stems. As the plant progresses, it enters the flowering stage, usually in mid-summer, where it produces vibrant blooms that can be deadheaded to encourage continuous blooming until the first frost. As temperatures drop and daylight decreases in the fall, the plant enters dormancy, where the above-ground foliage dies back and the tubers remain dormant underground through winter. The following spring, the tubers can be divided if necessary and replanted to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Wootton Cupid' is through division of tubers, which is typically done in the spring after the last frost when the tubers have begun to sprout and it's easier to see how to cut them. Gardeners should use a sharp knife to cut the tubers into sections, ensuring that each section has at least one eye, or bud, from which new growth will sprout. The cut surfaces can be allowed to callus over for a day or two to prevent rot. Plant the tuber pieces about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep in well-drained soil, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow room for growth. With proper care, including regular watering and fertilization, the new Dahlias should begin to grow and can eventually produce the same beautiful flowers as the parent plant.
