Amanda Maxi Burgundy White

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Dahlia

Species

fin

Description

A perennial tuberous geophyte prized for its elegant blooms in vivid colours; depending on the variety, it is well suited to adding a decorative touch – whether in combination with other species, in flowerbeds and borders, or in planters and pots.

It is a vigorous grower with a high degree of branching, which gives it a lush, full appearance. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

Species video

https://youtu.be/R0Cq6H56UQk

Curiosities and special features

The name ‘Dahlia’ was coined in the late 19th century by the naturalist A. J. Cavanilles, director of the Royal Gardens in Madrid, in honour of the Swedish botanist A. Dahl, a pupil of Linnaeus.

Origin and distribution

Native to Mexico, where it is the national flower, as well as to Guatemala, Colombia and Costa Rica, the dahlia has a history dating back to the time of the Aztec Empire, during which it was cultivated for food due to its starchy root tubers. The first dahlias to be imported into Europe as ornamental plants by Spanish colonists in the 18th century were single-flowered varieties and probably belonged to the speciesD. pinnata, D. rosea and D. coccinea; the considerable interest aroused by the first specimens introduced led to intensive interspecific hybridisation, resulting in the multitude of varieties commercially available today.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of m, making it ideal for mixed plantings with other ornamental plants of varying heights.

Flower

The flower is double, medium-sized, with a symmetrical corolla and plain petals. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 120 and 140 days. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

PH

The optimum pH of the growing medium or soil for Dahlia pinnata ranges from 5.8 to 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before spring planting, give the soil a light dig to remove any weeds and large stones, then work in some organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser. Use a hoe to break up the larger clods of earth to make the soil looser. Finally, to ensure proper drainage of excess water, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil and carefully levelling the surface.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature ranges from {F1} to {F2} °C, a fairly narrow temperature range, but it is important to bear in mind that we are referring to specific optimal values for vegetative growth and flowering. The biological temperature ranges from {F1} to {F2} °C; these conditions occur over a large part of the year and demonstrate that this variety can survive even in temperature conditions that would be critical for other ornamental plants.

Above 30 °C, it struggles to form buds; furthermore, the diameter of the flowers decreases as the average temperature rises.

Soil

It prefers medium-textured, well-drained soil. For planters and pots, we recommend a growing medium for spring plants containing peat and perlite.

Combinations with other plants

In terms of colour combinations and the contrast in growth habit and height, arrangements featuring other ornamental plants such as Begonia semperflorens, Calceolaria, Hosta, Mecardonia x hybrida,Lobularia maritima, Nicotiana, Salvia farinacea and Sutera diffusa are particularly interesting .

Propagation

Propagation can be carried out by seed or by cuttings.

Watering

Use rainwater or, alternatively, tap water, either by hand or via a drip irrigation system or sub-irrigation.

When transplanting, water thoroughly and care for the seedling, taking care to avoid both waterlogging – which could make the roots more susceptible to fungal diseases – and periods of drought. Thereafter, water carefully to keep the growing medium or soil slightly moist, preventing it from drying out. Allowing the soil to dry out too much can cause damage to the leaves.

It is advisable not to water the plant from above in the late afternoon or evening to avoid the development of fungal diseases.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

Once the plant has become properly established in its new location, apply a liquid fertiliser specifically formulated for ornamental plants to the substrate or soil from spring until early summer. Dilute the fertiliser in the watering can and apply it according to the recommended doses and frequency as indicated on the product label. Reduce or suspend fertilisation during the hottest weeks and resume when the first cooler nights arrive to ensure a prolonged flowering period right up until the first frosts.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.