Dahlia – Dahlie
Dahlia, the national flower of Mexico
The Dahlia was declared the national flower of Mexico in 1963. Dahlias are native to Mexico and were cultivated by the Aztecs, who called them “cocoxochitl.” These flowers come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements around the world. Dahlias are not only celebrated for their beauty but also for their cultural and historical significance in Mexico. They play a significant role in Mexican art, culture, and traditions, making them a fitting choice as the national flower.
Flower meditation for Dahlia
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Classification of Dahlias
Dahlias are a diverse group of flowering plants, and they can be classified into several categories based on various characteristics, including flower form, size, and color. Here are some common classifications of dahlias:
Flower Form
- Single Dahlias: These have a single row of petals surrounding the center disc.
- Anemone Dahlias: These have a central disc surrounded by one or more rows of flat or slightly rolled ray petals.
- Collarette Dahlias: These have a single outer ring of flat or slightly rolled ray petals surrounding a center disc, which contains smaller petal-like structures.
- Waterlily Dahlias: Resemble waterlily blooms with double rows of delicate, slightly incurved petals.
- Decorative Dahlias: These are characterized by fully double, ball-shaped blooms with petals that are broad and flat.
Size
- Dwarf Dahlias: These are compact plants, often reaching heights of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm).
- Medium Dahlias: These dahlias typically grow to heights of 24 to 40 inches (60 to 100 cm).
- Tall Dahlias: These are the largest dahlias, often reaching heights of 40 inches (100 cm) or more.
Color
Dahlias come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, lavender, white, and bi-color combinations.
There are also unique varieties with striking color patterns and gradients.
Formal Classification
The American Dahlia Society (ADS) provides a formal classification system for dahlias based on flower size, shape, and petal arrangement. This classification system includes various groups, such as “Ball,” “Pompon,” “Cactus,” “Semi-Cactus,” “Peony,” and more.
- Novelty Dahlias: These dahlias have unique features that set them apart, such as spiky petals or unusual color combinations. They may not fit neatly into traditional classifications.
- Species Dahlias: These are the original wild species of dahlias, such as Dahlia pinnata. They may have single flowers and are often used in breeding new dahlia varieties.
- Dinnerplate Dahlias: These dahlias are known for their exceptionally large, dinner plate-sized blooms that can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) or more in diameter.
- Miniature Dahlias: These dahlias have smaller flowers and plants, making them suitable for containers and smaller garden spaces.
- Heirloom Dahlias: These are older, classic dahlia varieties that have been passed down through generations of gardeners. They often have historical significance.
- Peony-Flowered Dahlias: These dahlias have fully double blooms with multiple rows of petals, resembling peonies.
- Orchid-Flowered Dahlias: These dahlias have open-centered, star-like flowers with slender, pointed petals.
- Gallery Dahlias: These dahlias are known for their compact size and are ideal for patio containers and small gardens.
There are thousands of dahlia cultivars, each with its unique characteristics and beauty. When choosing dahlias for your garden or floral arrangements, consider factors like flower form, size, and color to create a visually appealing and diverse display.
Summarized classification of dahlias
| Classification | Description |
| Flower Form | – Single Dahlias: A single row of petals around the center disc. – Anemone Dahlias: Central disc surrounded by one or more rows of ray petals. – Collarette Dahlias: A single outer ring of ray petals with inner petal-like structures. – Waterlily Dahlias: Double rows of delicate, slightly incurved petals. – Decorative Dahlias: Fully double, ball-shaped blooms. |
| Size | – Dwarf Dahlias: Compact, 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall. – Medium Dahlias: 24-40 inches (60-100 cm) tall. – Tall Dahlias: Over 40 inches (100 cm) tall. |
| Color | Wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, lavender, white, and bi-color combinations. |
| Formal Classification | Formal groups like “Ball,” “Pompon,” “Cactus,” “Semi-Cactus,” “Peony,” based on size, shape, and petal arrangement. |
| Novelty Dahlias | Unique features such as spiky petals or unusual color combinations. |
| Species Dahlias | Wild species of dahlias, often with single flowers. |
| Dinnerplate Dahlias | Exceptionally large blooms, up to 12 inches (30 cm) or more in diameter. |
| Miniature Dahlias | Smaller flowers and plants, suitable for containers and small gardens. |
| Heirloom Dahlias | Older, classic varieties with historical significance. |
| Peony-Flowered Dahlias | Fully double blooms resembling peonies. |
| Orchid-Flowered Dahlias | Open-centered flowers with slender, pointed petals. |
| Gallery Dahlias | Compact dahlias ideal for patio containers and small gardens. |
Dahlias come in a vast array of cultivars, and this table provides an overview of common classifications. Depending on your preferences and garden space, you can choose dahlias that fit into these categories to create a beautiful and diverse display.
Planting and flowering season
The planting and flowering season for dahlias can vary depending on your location and climate. Generally, here are some guidelines for when to plant and expect flowering in different regions:
Planting Season
- Spring Planting: In regions with mild winters and frost-free springs, you can plant dahlia tubers or plants in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. This is typically in late April to early June, depending on your location.
- Fall Planting: In areas with cold winters, it’s common to plant dahlia tubers in the fall, usually around September or October. This allows them to establish roots before winter dormancy.
Flowering Season
- Summer Blooming: Dahlias are known for their summer blooms. In most regions, you can expect dahlias to start flowering in late spring to early summer, depending on the variety and local climate. The peak flowering season is typically from mid-summer through early fall.
- Continuous Blooms: With proper care, dahlias can continue to produce flowers throughout the summer and into early autumn, sometimes even until the first frost.
- Fall Blooms: In regions with mild autumns and no early frost, dahlias can continue to bloom into the fall months, providing colorful flowers well into September or October.
- Winter Dormancy: After the first frost in regions with cold winters, dahlias will go dormant. At this point, the foliage will wither, and you should cut back the dead foliage and protect the tubers from freezing temperatures.
Specific planting and flowering times can vary depending on the dahlia variety, your local climate, and the specific conditions in your garden. Some varieties may bloom earlier or later than others.
Final Tips
To maximize the blooming period of your dahlias, you can consider planting a variety of dahlia cultivars with different flowering times. This way, you can enjoy a continuous display of colorful flowers throughout the growing season.
Additionally, providing proper care, including regular watering, fertilizing, and deadheading (removing spent flowers), can help encourage more prolific and extended blooming of your dahlias.
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