Dahlia: Difference between revisions

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'''Dahlia''' is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. There are at least 36 species of dahlia, with hybrids commonly grown as garden plants. The dahlia was declared the national flower of Mexico in 1963.
==Dahlia==


== Description ==
[[File:Dahlia_x_hybrida.jpg|Dahlia in full bloom|thumb|right]]
Dahlias are perennial plants with tuberous roots, though they are grown as annuals in some regions with cold winters. The plants are native to the high plains of Mexico and Guatemala, and they thrive in cool, mountainous climates. The plants can grow up to 6 feet tall and have flowers that range in size from 2 inches to 1 foot in diameter. The flowers come in a wide variety of colors, except for blue.


== Cultivation ==
'''Dahlia''' is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native to Mexico and Central America. The genus is a member of the [[Asteraceae]] family, which also includes the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, and zinnia. There are 42 species of dahlia, with hybrids commonly grown as garden plants.
Dahlias are grown from tubers, which are planted in the ground in late spring. The plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They begin to bloom in mid-summer and continue to bloom until the first frost. Dahlias are popular plants for the garden because of their wide range of colors and shapes.


== Uses ==
==Description==
Dahlias are used primarily as ornamental plants in the garden. They are also used in floral arrangements and as cut flowers. Some species of dahlia are used in traditional medicine in their native Mexico.


== Species ==
[[File:Dahlia_Blooming.jpg|Dahlia blooming in a garden|thumb|left]]
There are at least 36 species of dahlia, including:
* [[Dahlia coccinea]]
* [[Dahlia imperialis]]
* [[Dahlia pinnata]]


== Hybridization ==
Dahlias are known for their strikingly beautiful flowers, which come in a wide range of colors and forms. The plants can vary in height from as low as 30 cm (1 foot) to as tall as 1.8–2.4 meters (6–8 feet). The flowers can be as small as 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter or up to 30 cm (1 foot) across.
Dahlias are popular plants for hybridization because of their wide range of colors and forms. The first recorded dahlia hybrid was created in the Netherlands in 1872.


== History ==
The leaves are generally pinnate, with serrated edges, and the stems are hollow. Dahlias are unique among garden plants in that they have tuberous roots, which store nutrients and allow the plant to survive through periods of dormancy.
The dahlia was first discovered by Spanish botanists in Mexico in the 16th century. It was named after the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. The dahlia was introduced to Europe in the 18th century and quickly became popular as a garden plant.


== References ==
==Cultivation==
<references />


{{stub}}
[[File:Dahlia_Blooming_Bud.jpg|Dahlia bud about to bloom|thumb|right]]
 
Dahlias are typically grown from tubers, which are planted in the spring after the last frost. They require a sunny location with well-drained soil. Regular watering and fertilization are necessary to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
 
Dahlias are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew. Proper care and maintenance, such as removing dead flowers and leaves, can help prevent these issues.
 
==Varieties==
 
[[File:Dahlia_Almost_Bloomed_(2).jpg|Dahlia almost fully bloomed|thumb|left]]
 
There are thousands of dahlia cultivars, which are classified into several groups based on flower shape and size. Some popular types include:
 
* '''Single-flowered dahlias''': These have a single row of petals and a visible central disc.
* '''Anemone-flowered dahlias''': These have a central disc surrounded by one or more rings of flat petals.
* '''Cactus dahlias''': These have narrow, pointed petals that give the flower a spiky appearance.
* '''Pompon dahlias''': These have small, ball-shaped flowers with tightly packed petals.
 
==Propagation==
 
[[File:Dahlia_flower_buds_1.jpg|Dahlia flower buds|thumb|right]]
 
Dahlias can be propagated by dividing the tubers, taking cuttings, or growing from seed. Dividing tubers is the most common method and is typically done in the spring. Each division should have at least one "eye" or growth point.
 
==Uses==
 
Dahlias are primarily grown for their ornamental value. They are popular in gardens and as cut flowers due to their vibrant colors and diverse forms. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, dahlias have been used in traditional medicine and as a food source in some cultures.
 
==History==
 
[[File:Dahlia_flower_plant.jpg|Dahlia plant with multiple blooms|thumb|left]]
 
Dahlias were first discovered by European botanists in the 16th century during explorations of Mexico. They were named after the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. The plants were introduced to Europe in the late 18th century and quickly became popular in gardens across the continent.
 
==Related pages==
 
* [[Asteraceae]]
* [[Perennial plant]]
* [[Flower]]
* [[Garden plant]]
 
[[File:Dahlia_flower_buds_2.jpg|Dahlia buds in various stages|thumb|right]]
 
==Gallery==


[[Category:Flowers]]
[[Category:Perennials]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Garden plants]]
[[Category:Plants native to Mexico]]
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Dahlia_x_hybrida.jpg|Dahlia
File:Flowers_107.jpg|Dahlia in full bloom
File:Dahlia_Blooming.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_Blooming_Bud.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_Almost_Bloomed_(2).jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_flower_buds_1.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_flower_plant.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_flower_buds_2.jpg|Dahlia
File:Flowers_107.jpg|Dahlia
File:Orange_Dahlia01.jpg|Dahlia
File:Scarlet-flowered_dahlia.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_sambucifolia_1805.png|Dahlia
File:Holland_House_in_1907_by_J._Benjamin_Stone_-_Dahlia_Garden.jpg|Dahlia
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:Dahlia_x_hybrida.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_Blooming.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_Blooming_Bud.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_Almost_Bloomed_(2).jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_flower_buds_1.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_flower_plant.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_flower_buds_2.jpg|Dahlia
File:Flowers_107.jpg|Dahlia
File:Orange_Dahlia01.jpg|Dahlia
File:Scarlet-flowered_dahlia.jpg|Dahlia
File:Dahlia_sambucifolia_1805.png|Dahlia
File:Holland_House_in_1907_by_J._Benjamin_Stone_-_Dahlia_Garden.jpg|Dahlia
</gallery>
</gallery>
[[Category:Garden plants]]
[[Category:Asteraceae]]
[[Category:Flora of Mexico]]

Latest revision as of 10:58, 23 March 2025

Dahlia[edit]

Dahlia in full bloom

Dahlia is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native to Mexico and Central America. The genus is a member of the Asteraceae family, which also includes the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, and zinnia. There are 42 species of dahlia, with hybrids commonly grown as garden plants.

Description[edit]

Dahlia blooming in a garden

Dahlias are known for their strikingly beautiful flowers, which come in a wide range of colors and forms. The plants can vary in height from as low as 30 cm (1 foot) to as tall as 1.8–2.4 meters (6–8 feet). The flowers can be as small as 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter or up to 30 cm (1 foot) across.

The leaves are generally pinnate, with serrated edges, and the stems are hollow. Dahlias are unique among garden plants in that they have tuberous roots, which store nutrients and allow the plant to survive through periods of dormancy.

Cultivation[edit]

Dahlia bud about to bloom

Dahlias are typically grown from tubers, which are planted in the spring after the last frost. They require a sunny location with well-drained soil. Regular watering and fertilization are necessary to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Dahlias are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew. Proper care and maintenance, such as removing dead flowers and leaves, can help prevent these issues.

Varieties[edit]

Dahlia almost fully bloomed

There are thousands of dahlia cultivars, which are classified into several groups based on flower shape and size. Some popular types include:

  • Single-flowered dahlias: These have a single row of petals and a visible central disc.
  • Anemone-flowered dahlias: These have a central disc surrounded by one or more rings of flat petals.
  • Cactus dahlias: These have narrow, pointed petals that give the flower a spiky appearance.
  • Pompon dahlias: These have small, ball-shaped flowers with tightly packed petals.

Propagation[edit]

Dahlia flower buds

Dahlias can be propagated by dividing the tubers, taking cuttings, or growing from seed. Dividing tubers is the most common method and is typically done in the spring. Each division should have at least one "eye" or growth point.

Uses[edit]

Dahlias are primarily grown for their ornamental value. They are popular in gardens and as cut flowers due to their vibrant colors and diverse forms. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, dahlias have been used in traditional medicine and as a food source in some cultures.

History[edit]

Dahlia plant with multiple blooms

Dahlias were first discovered by European botanists in the 16th century during explorations of Mexico. They were named after the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. The plants were introduced to Europe in the late 18th century and quickly became popular in gardens across the continent.

Related pages[edit]

Dahlia buds in various stages

Gallery[edit]