Dahlia | Description, History, & Facts (2024)

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Also known as: Dahlia

dahlia, (genus Dahlia), genus of about 40 species of flowering plants in the aster family (Asteraceae), native to the higher elevations of Mexico and Central America. About six of the species in the Dahlia genus have been bred for cultivation as ornamental flowers and are popular in the floral industry and in gardens. The thousands of dahlia cultivars are classed into a variety of types, including single, double, pompon, cactus, waterlily, peony-flowered, and dinnerplate dahlias.

Dahlias are tuberous perennials, and most have simple leaves that are segmented and toothed or cut. The compound flowers may be white, yellow, red, or purple in colour. Wild species of dahlias have both disk and ray flowers in the flowering heads, but many varieties of ornamentals such as the common garden dahlia (D. bipinnata) have shortened ray flowers. Dahlias grow well in most garden soils. They begin flowering late in the summer and continue flowering until interrupted by frost in the autumn.

Dahlia | Description, History, & Facts (2)

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Plants: From Cute to Carnivorous

The dahlia was first introduced into Great Britain from Spain in 1798. Many of the countless varieties of dahlias, including double-flowered forms, were subsequently developed in Britain and elsewhere from the species D. variabilis and D. coccinea.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.

Dahlia | Description, History, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

Dahlia | Description, History, & Facts? ›

dahlia, (genus Dahlia), genus of about 40 species of flowering plants in the aster family

aster family
daisy, any of several species of flowering plants belonging to the aster family (Asteraceae).
https://www.britannica.com › plant › daisy
(Asteraceae), native to the higher elevations of Mexico and Central America. About six of the species in the Dahlia genus have been bred for cultivation as ornamental flowers and are popular in the floral industry and in gardens.

What is the backstory of dahlia? ›

The dahlia was cultivated by the Indigenous peoples in parts of what is now Mexico and Central America for centuries, grown primarily for its nutrient-rich tubers. Spanish colonizers brought seeds back to Europe, and gardeners from across the continent grew and hybridized and expanded the number of species.

What is the history of the dahlia flower? ›

The history of the dahlia flower is believed to have started in Mexico and Central America, where it was cultivated by the Aztecs. The flower later spread to Europe after Spanish botanist Mariano Lagasca sent some seeds to Spain, where they were named after great Swedish botanist Anders Dahl.

What makes dahlias so special? ›

They are common wedding flowers, not only for their looks but also for their symbolic meaning. During the Victorian era, dahlias were a symbol of commitment and an everlasting union. They are also used to represent inner strength, creativity, and elegance.

What do dahlias symbolize? ›

Dahlia Symbolism

Dahlias symbolize elegance, creativity, positivity, and growth. It also represents inner strength, likely due to the plant's ability to tolerate harsh conditions. Other general meanings associated with the dahlia is gracefulness, standing out in a crowd, and embracing positive changes.

What is the rarest color of dahlias? ›

Black dahlias are extremely rare: less than 20 of 200,000 species of dahlia are black. But new research from scientists has thrown new light on how these dark flowers get their colour.

Why was dahlia evil? ›

However, after Esther left her sister to marry one of their Viking captors, Dahlia's hatred of being oppressed by the warriors led her to develop a much colder and more calculating personality after she vowed to never allow herself to be that vulnerable again.

Why is dahlia so powerful? ›

Described by Freya as the most powerful witch she has ever seen, Dahlia first gained her enhanced powers by linking her magic to the magic possessed by her then five-year-old niece Freya.

What did the Aztecs use dahlias for? ›

We use dahlias decoratively. But in their native habitat, Central America, they were first grown by the Aztecs as animal food and as a medicinal plant. An Aztec herbal, the Badianus manuscript of 1582, speaks of using the dahlia to treat urinary disorders.

Why is it called dahlia? ›

The Dahlia has been in Europe for over two hundred years. It came from Mexico to the Botanical Gardens in Madrid towards the end of the eighteenth century and was named by Abbe Cavanille in honour of Andreas Dahl, Swedish scientist come environmentalist.

What is another name for dahlia? ›

It was not until 1810, in a published article, that he officially adopted the Cavanilles's original designation of Dahlia. However, the name Georgina still persisted in Germany for the next few decades. In Russian, it is still named Georgina (Russian: георгинa).

What is the purpose of the dahlia flower? ›

Nowadays, Dahlia was widely used even in economical purpose: in landscaping, in floristry as a cut flower, for the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic, food and as raw material for the extraction of dyes. Both the tuberous roots and the flowers of this ornamental and medicinal plant are used for therapeutic purposes.

What are the spiritual properties of dahlias? ›

The dahlia's spiritual meaning is conveyed through the white varieties. The white dahlia plant's meaning is associated with new beginnings, purity, gratitude, and enlightenment. Whether it's a birth, loss, or wedding ceremony, white dahlias convey a sense of hope for the future.

What is a few sentences about the dahlia flower? ›

Dahlias are tuberous perennials, and most have simple leaves that are segmented and toothed or cut. The compound flowers may be white, yellow, red, or purple in colour. Wild species of dahlias have both disk and ray flowers in the flowering heads, but many varieties of ornamentals such as the common garden dahlia (D.

What animal digs up dahlias? ›

Bulbs Are Dug Out of the Soil: Squirrels commonly dig bulbs to eat, as do chipmunks, skunks, voles, raccoons, and rabbits. If a skunk is involved, you should be able to smell remnants of his or her odor. Footprints and chew marks are other clues you can use to identify the culprit.

What are the special features of dahlias? ›

Dahlias are perennial plants with a range of features across 42 species. Some have green herby stems, others have woody stems. The flowers are incredibly diverse, with colours including white, yellow, orange, red and purple of varying shades.

How long do dahlias live? ›

Dahlias can be kept for many years if they are treated properly. Dahlias start producing tubers in the spring, but these roots are not mature until late in the growing season. The longer they are kept in the ground, the more mature they will be, and chances are better they will survive in storage.

How do dahlias get their names? ›

The first plant was called Dahlia pinnata after its pinnate foliage; the second, Dahlia rosea for its rose-purple color. In 1796, from the parts sent by Cervantes, Cavanilles flowered a third plant, which he named Dahlia coccinea for its scarlet color. In 1798, Cavanilles sent D. pinnata seeds to Parma, Italy.

What are dahlias good for? ›

Entryways, Patios. and Decks: Border dahlias are ideal for growing in containers or for edging a walkway. These bushy, compact plants grow just 18-24" tall and cover themselves with flowers from midsummer to frost. Along Fences or for Screening: Dahlias can be functional as well as decorative.

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