Dahlia Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' (D)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' is characterized by its vibrant and eye-catching flowers, making it a popular choice among gardeners and floral enthusiasts. The blossoms of this variety are notable for their unique coloration, typically featuring a blend of yellow tones harmoniously blended throughout each petal. The flowers are composed of numerous petals arranged in a symmetrical pattern that radiates from the center, creating an overall circular shape that is both pleasing to the eye and intricate to examine closely. Each petal can be described as having a smooth texture and a slightly curved shape, contributing to the fullness of the flower's appearance. The central disc of the flower, from which the petals emerge, is often a complementary color, adding to the visual appeal of the bloom. The foliage of Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' is composed of lush green leaves that provide a contrasting background to the vibrancy of the flowers. The leaves typically have a defined shape, with serrated edges that add texture to the plant's overall appearance. The stems of the Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' are sturdy and upright, supporting the weight of the flowers well. They allow the blooms to stand prominently among other plants in a garden setting, showcasing the flowers' elaborate beauty. Together, the combination of brightly colored flowers, rich green foliage, and robust stems makes Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' a stunning addition to any floral display or garden arrangement.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Dahlia Yelno Harmony, Garden Dahlia.
Common names
Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony'
- Toxicity
To humans
Dahlia is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is not known to have poisonous properties, and accidental ingestion typically does not result in any serious side effects. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur. If someone has a known allergy to Dahlia, they could experience symptoms like skin irritation, itching, or slight digestive discomfort if parts of the Dahlia are ingested or handled without gloves.
To pets
Dahlia is not considered highly toxic to pets; however, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms associated with consuming parts of the Dahlia plant can include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. These symptoms should be relatively minor and short-lived, but if a pet consumes a large amount of the plant or exhibits more severe symptoms, it would be advisable to consult a veterinarian.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its bright yellow flowers.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for borders, beds, and containers, offering diverse design options.
- Attracts Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cut Flower Use: Ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements with long vase life.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides late summer to fall blooming, filling the gap after early summer flowers have faded.
- Hobby Gardening: Popular among enthusiasts and collectors due to its numerous varieties and colors.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to multiply their plants.
- Adaptability: Can grow in a range of climates with proper care, making them accessible to many gardeners.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Photography Subject: Dahlias, with their intricate petals and vibrant colors, are often used as subjects by photographers who wish to capture the beauty of nature in gardens or still life compositions.
- Artistic Inspiration: The distinct form and color of Dahlias can inspire artists to create paintings, drawings, or textile designs that reflect the flower's unique appearance.
- Study Specimens for Botany Education: Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' can be used in educational settings as a specimen for students learning about plant biology and hybridization techniques.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried Dahlia petals are biodegradable and can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper or plastic confetti at celebrations.
- Natural Dyes: The vibrant petals of the Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' can be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics or craft materials.
- Motif in Jewelry Design: The shape and form of Dahlia flowers are sometimes used by jewelers as a motif in designing earrings, pendants, and brooches.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not commonly consumed, the petals of Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' could potentially be used as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to culinary dishes.
- Feng Shui: In the practice of Feng Shui, placing Dahlias in a room is believed to bring positive energy and create a more harmonious living environment.
- Garden Pest Deterrent: Dahlias can attract certain types of insects that are natural predators to common garden pests, which can help in managing pest populations without chemicals.
- Floral Crafts: The leaves, stems, and petals of the Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' can be used in creating dried floral arrangements or wreaths for home decor.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Elegance: Dahlias are often associated with elegance due to their symmetrical blooms and stunning variety of colors.
- Dignity: The dahlia carries a sense of dignity and poise, often used to represent someone who stands strong in their values.
- Change: Because dahlias bloom from midsummer to autumn, they symbolize change and the transition between seasons.
- Commitment: With their wide range of colors and full-bodied blooms, dahlias are often used to signify a lasting bond or commitment between people.
- Creativity: The myriad of colors and forms in dahlias can inspire creativity, making it a symbol for those who see beauty in diversity.
- Water
Dahlias require a steady supply of water to flourish. It's essential to water them deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1-2 gallons per plant depending on the weather conditions; more frequent watering may be necessary during dryer periods. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. The soil should be moist but not saturated, as Dahlias do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. During peak blooming season, consistent watering is vital to support their vigorous growth and large flower production.
- Light
Dahlias thrive in full sun, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for a Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' is in a sunny area where it can receive plenty of light without being shaded by larger plants or structures. Too little light can lead to weak stems and poor blooming.
- Temperature
Dahlias prefer moderate to warm conditions and do best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 50°F, but they should be protected from frost, which can damage or kill the plant. Ideal growing conditions include warm days and cooler nights.
- Pruning
Pruning Dahlias is important to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the center shoot above the third set of leaves when the plant is about a foot tall to encourage lateral branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. The best time for pruning is throughout the growing season, as needed.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Dahlias like 'Yelno Harmony' is a well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter; a mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0, to promote healthy growth.
- Repotting
Dahlias, including the 'Yelno Harmony' variety, do not need to be repotted frequently as they are typically grown as annuals. Tubers should be planted annually in spring and dug up and stored during winter in colder climates.
- Humidity & Misting
Dahlias, such as 'Yelno Harmony', prefer moderate humidity conditions. They thrive best when humidity levels are similar to those found outdoors, which is generally between 40-60%.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Dahlias in bright light, keep soil moist, not wet.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space 18-24" apart.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
- Life cycle
Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' begins its life cycle when the tubers are planted in the soil after the last frost of the spring. The plant emerges as seedlings and develops into a vegetative state with a foliage of green leaves. As it matures, it enters the budding stage where flower buds appear and eventually bloom into vibrant yellow flowers typically in mid-summer to early fall. After the blooming period, the flowers will wither, and if left unattended, the plant may set seed. As autumn approaches, the plant enters dormancy; the foliage dies back, and the tubers can be dug up and stored over the winter in a cool, dry place. The cycle begins anew when the tubers are replanted after the frost the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The popular method of propagation for Dahlia 'Yelno Harmony' involves taking basal cuttings in the spring. As the new growth appears at the base of the plant, cuttings of about 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) can be taken from the tubers that are sprouting. These cuttings are then gently removed with a piece of the tuber attached, ensuring that each cutting has at least one growth point. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment to encourage rooting. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new dahlia plants can be transferred to larger pots or planted directly into the garden once the threat of frost has passed.