Today is National Dahlia Day, so let us celebrate and enjoy these beautiful
flowers with photos I took in Montreal and Chicago.
This is the center of the Exposition Garden at the Montreal Botanic Garden.
flowers with photos I took in Montreal and Chicago.
This is the center of the Exposition Garden at the Montreal Botanic Garden.
It includes many kinds of flowers, but especially dahlias and coneflowers in late summer.
In its home in Mexico, the dahlia’s flower grew no larger than 1 to 2 inches across. But when the plant spread to Europe in the 1800s, the Dutch breeders got to work and began their hybridizing magic. Today, dahlias are available in every color but blue, in sizes ranging from tiny, ½-inch pom pons to 12-inch dinner-plate varieties. Spectacular as cut flowers, dahlias appeal to home gardeners as well as professional growers or hobbyists who take flower competition quite seriously.
"Weston Spanish Dancer"
Dahlia is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native to Mexico. A member
of the Aster family, related species include the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, and zinnia.
There are 42 species of dahlia, with hybrids commonly grown as garden plants. Flower forms
are variable, with one head per stem; these can be as small as 2 in. diameter or
up to 1 ft. ("dinner plate").
Dahlia is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native to Mexico. A member
of the Aster family, related species include the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, and zinnia.
There are 42 species of dahlia, with hybrids commonly grown as garden plants. Flower forms
are variable, with one head per stem; these can be as small as 2 in. diameter or
up to 1 ft. ("dinner plate").
"Hapet Skyline"
The wild Dahlias originally grew in Mexico and other South American countries, primarily
in mountainous valleys that were protected from harsh conditions in the spring and summer.
They’re known for standing for quite a while, making a beautiful display in a vase or
in the ground. Some varieties produce flowers up to 12 inches in diameter, and
the plants themselves can reach up to six feet high.
The wild Dahlias originally grew in Mexico and other South American countries, primarily
in mountainous valleys that were protected from harsh conditions in the spring and summer.
They’re known for standing for quite a while, making a beautiful display in a vase or
in the ground. Some varieties produce flowers up to 12 inches in diameter, and
the plants themselves can reach up to six feet high.
"Franz Hals Dahlia"
The majority of species do not produce scented flowers. Like most plants that do not
attract pollinating insects through scent, they are brightly colored, displaying
most hues, with the exception of blue.
The majority of species do not produce scented flowers. Like most plants that do not
attract pollinating insects through scent, they are brightly colored, displaying
most hues, with the exception of blue.
"Elizabeth Vigee-LeBrun Dahlia"
Their perfect petal arrangement dazzles. The American Dahlia Society recognizes 14 official classes with names describing the flower form — such as cactus, collarette, orchid, peony, ball, water lily, and anemone. The art of pinching off side buds (disbudding) or removing the growing tip when the plant is 12 inches tall (topping) are practices designed to promote spectacular flowers. The pros will often sacrifice smaller, but more numerous, flowers in favor of fewer but larger ones. Gardeners new to dahlias might choose to wait and watch a year or two before attempting lateral pruning. A dahlia will produce many lovely flowers with no pruning at all, although pinching the growing tip back does encourage a bushier habit.
Bush of "Tudor Red Dahlias"
Based on the type of flower, dahlias can be classified as single-flowered type, ball type,
pompon type, cactus type, semi-cactus type, collarette type, fimbriated type, waterlily type, decorative type, and the miscellaneous type.
Based on the type of flower, dahlias can be classified as single-flowered type, ball type,
pompon type, cactus type, semi-cactus type, collarette type, fimbriated type, waterlily type, decorative type, and the miscellaneous type.
"Clearview Arlene Dahlia"
The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico (since 1963) known for its continuous, colorful
flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. The dahlia comes in variety of colors,
shapes and sizes, making it a favorite flower among landscapers and florists alike.
The beauty of the dahlia flower inspired great symbolic meaning during the Victorian era
and continues to be used today to express personal sentiments.
The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico (since 1963) known for its continuous, colorful
flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. The dahlia comes in variety of colors,
shapes and sizes, making it a favorite flower among landscapers and florists alike.
The beauty of the dahlia flower inspired great symbolic meaning during the Victorian era
and continues to be used today to express personal sentiments.
"Orange Rockets"
Spaniards reported finding the plants growing in Mexico in 1525, but the earliest known
description is by Francisco Hernández, physician to Philip II, who was ordered to visit Mexico
in 1570 to study the "natural products of that country". They were used as a source of food
by the indigenous peoples, and were both gathered in the wild and cultivated. The Aztecs used
them to treat epilepsy, and employed the long hollow stem of the dahlia for water pipes.
Spaniards reported finding the plants growing in Mexico in 1525, but the earliest known
description is by Francisco Hernández, physician to Philip II, who was ordered to visit Mexico
in 1570 to study the "natural products of that country". They were used as a source of food
by the indigenous peoples, and were both gathered in the wild and cultivated. The Aztecs used
them to treat epilepsy, and employed the long hollow stem of the dahlia for water pipes.
"Bahama Mama"
Their wide range of colors include red, pink, white, orange, yellow, purple, and many more. Moreover, some of the species may have different-colored stripes on them, while others may
have a different color just on the tips (color different from the rest of the flower).
Their wide range of colors include red, pink, white, orange, yellow, purple, and many more. Moreover, some of the species may have different-colored stripes on them, while others may
have a different color just on the tips (color different from the rest of the flower).
"At Daybreak"
The symbolic meaning of the dahlia in the Victorian language of flowers has survived.
When given as a gift, the dahlia flower expresses sentiments of dignity and elegance. It is
also the symbol of a commitment and bond that lasts forever. The dahlia flower is still used
today in gardens and flower arrangements to celebrate love and marriage.
"Ivory Keys'
Many gardeners refer to the dahlia flower as the 'Queen of the Autumn Garden' as
it blooms for prolonged periods of time when compared to most other garden plants.
"Princess Aurora"
"Cinderella"
What Does the Dahlia Flower Mean?
Staying graceful under pressure, especially in challenging situations
Drawing upon inner strength to succeed
Traveling and making a major life change in a positive way
Standing out from the crowd and following your own unique path
Staying kind despite being tested by certain life events
Finding a balance between adventure and relaxation
Commitment to another person or a certain ideal
Warning someone about a potential betrayal.
"Too Good to be True"
These were fairly large flowers growing on quite short stems; the red was intense.
A trio of "Starlite" Dahlias
Dahlias are also believed to be the most popular competition flowers.;
watch for a dahlia show near you. The one I saw in San Francisco was spectacular.
It was held in Golden Gate Park next to the conservatory.
"Miss Muffett"
The Victorians used the Dahlia to signify a lasting bond and commitment between two people,
but modern flower lovers can also buy a potted plant as a celebration of joining a new religion
or trying a new healthy habit. Dahlia is often considered a birth flower for August, but some traditions use it as a November birth flower instead. It’s the national flower of Mexico because
that it’s native habitat. Some cultures use it to represent diversity since each petal fits seamlessly
into the whole head.
"Alison Carsten"
"Bastille Day"
A bush of "Frisbee Free" dahlias
"Cape Girardeau"
Formal beds of three colors of wax begonias leading to cafe.
"Sheila" Gladiolus
The genus Gladiolus contains about 260 species, of which 250 are native to sub-Saharan Africa, mostly South Africa. About 10 species are native to Eurasia. There are 160 species of Gladiolus endemic in southern Africa and 76 in tropical Africa. The flowers of unmodified wild species vary from very small to perhaps 40 mm across, and inflorescences bearing anything from one to several flowers. The spectacular giant flower spikes in commerce are the products of centuries of hybridisation, selection, and perhaps more drastic manipulation.
Imperial Whtie Gladiolus
"Marcy" Gladiolus
New Varieties Flower Beds
"Coneflowers / Echinacea"
Echinacea purpurea is a North American species of flowering plant in the sunflower family.
It is native to eastern North America and present to some extent in the wild in much of
the eastern, southeastern and midwestern United States as well as in the Canadian Province
of Ontario. It is most common in the Ozarks and in the Mississippi/Ohio Valley.
Coneflowers
Until now, I have only seen coneflowers in pale hues of lavender, pink, and white. But in
these gardens, suddenly they have brightly colored varieties of red and yellow and
other colors. They make an excellent summer flower.
"Super Magnus Pink Coneflowers" - one of the new varieties
Plants are generally long lived, with distinctive flowers. The common name "cone flower"
comes from the characteristic center "cone" at the center of the flower head.
Mixed Coneflowers
In indigenous medicine of the native American Indians, the plant was used externally
for wounds, burns, and insect bites, chewing of roots for toothache and throat infections;
internal application was used for pain, cough, stomach cramps, and snake bites.
Cream and Yellow Coneflowers
Echinacea Paradoxa - Yellow Coneflowers
"Sombrero Adobe Orange Coneflowers"
Depending on the climate, it blooms throughout spring to late summer. Its cone-shaped
flowering heads are usually, but not always, purple in the wild. Its individual flowers (florets)
within the flower head are hermaphroditic, having both male and female organs in each flower.
It is pollinated by butterflies and bees. Its habitats include dry open woods, prairies and
barrens, as well as in cultivated beds.
Cream, Adobe, Yellow, and Purple Coneflowers
Coneflower and Daisy Beds
Entrance to Montreal Botanic Gardens
Bed of Pink Celosia. Each year they choose a different color of flower
to emphasize in the beds at the entrance; this year they are pink.
"Salmon Pink New Guinea Impatiens" and "Decorative Kale"
"Salmon Pink New Guinea Impatiens"
"Blue Delphinium"
"Red Coleus" and "Blue Delphiniums"
A visitor and some dahlias on this national festival day.
I hope you have enjoyed your virtual stroll through the Dahlia Garden.
__
The symbolic meaning of the dahlia in the Victorian language of flowers has survived.
When given as a gift, the dahlia flower expresses sentiments of dignity and elegance. It is
also the symbol of a commitment and bond that lasts forever. The dahlia flower is still used
today in gardens and flower arrangements to celebrate love and marriage.
"Ivory Keys'
Many gardeners refer to the dahlia flower as the 'Queen of the Autumn Garden' as
it blooms for prolonged periods of time when compared to most other garden plants.
"Soft as a Cloud"
Dahlia Flower Color Meanings
Red, which conveys power and strength to the person receiving the flower as a gift
Pink and purple, two of the colors associated with kindness and grace
White, a symbol of staying focused and pure
Blue and green, perfect for occasions involving fresh starts and big changes
Black Dahlia, which is actually a burgundy color, tied to a warning of betrayal
"Princess Aurora"
"Cinderella"
What Does the Dahlia Flower Mean?
Staying graceful under pressure, especially in challenging situations
Drawing upon inner strength to succeed
Traveling and making a major life change in a positive way
Standing out from the crowd and following your own unique path
Staying kind despite being tested by certain life events
Finding a balance between adventure and relaxation
Commitment to another person or a certain ideal
Warning someone about a potential betrayal.
"Too Good to be True"
These were fairly large flowers growing on quite short stems; the red was intense.
A trio of "Starlite" Dahlias
Dahlias are also believed to be the most popular competition flowers.;
watch for a dahlia show near you. The one I saw in San Francisco was spectacular.
It was held in Golden Gate Park next to the conservatory.
"Miss Muffett"
The Victorians used the Dahlia to signify a lasting bond and commitment between two people,
but modern flower lovers can also buy a potted plant as a celebration of joining a new religion
or trying a new healthy habit. Dahlia is often considered a birth flower for August, but some traditions use it as a November birth flower instead. It’s the national flower of Mexico because
that it’s native habitat. Some cultures use it to represent diversity since each petal fits seamlessly
into the whole head.
"Alison Carsten"
"Bastille Day"
A bush of "Frisbee Free" dahlias
"Cape Girardeau"
Formal beds of three colors of wax begonias leading to cafe.
"Sheila" Gladiolus
The genus Gladiolus contains about 260 species, of which 250 are native to sub-Saharan Africa, mostly South Africa. About 10 species are native to Eurasia. There are 160 species of Gladiolus endemic in southern Africa and 76 in tropical Africa. The flowers of unmodified wild species vary from very small to perhaps 40 mm across, and inflorescences bearing anything from one to several flowers. The spectacular giant flower spikes in commerce are the products of centuries of hybridisation, selection, and perhaps more drastic manipulation.
Imperial Whtie Gladiolus
"Marcy" Gladiolus
New Varieties Flower Beds
"Coneflowers / Echinacea"
Echinacea purpurea is a North American species of flowering plant in the sunflower family.
It is native to eastern North America and present to some extent in the wild in much of
the eastern, southeastern and midwestern United States as well as in the Canadian Province
of Ontario. It is most common in the Ozarks and in the Mississippi/Ohio Valley.
Coneflowers
Until now, I have only seen coneflowers in pale hues of lavender, pink, and white. But in
these gardens, suddenly they have brightly colored varieties of red and yellow and
other colors. They make an excellent summer flower.
"Super Magnus Pink Coneflowers" - one of the new varieties
Plants are generally long lived, with distinctive flowers. The common name "cone flower"
comes from the characteristic center "cone" at the center of the flower head.
Mixed Coneflowers
In indigenous medicine of the native American Indians, the plant was used externally
for wounds, burns, and insect bites, chewing of roots for toothache and throat infections;
internal application was used for pain, cough, stomach cramps, and snake bites.
Cream and Yellow Coneflowers
Echinacea Paradoxa - Yellow Coneflowers
"Sombrero Adobe Orange Coneflowers"
Depending on the climate, it blooms throughout spring to late summer. Its cone-shaped
flowering heads are usually, but not always, purple in the wild. Its individual flowers (florets)
within the flower head are hermaphroditic, having both male and female organs in each flower.
It is pollinated by butterflies and bees. Its habitats include dry open woods, prairies and
barrens, as well as in cultivated beds.
Cream, Adobe, Yellow, and Purple Coneflowers
Coneflower and Daisy Beds
Entrance to Montreal Botanic Gardens
Bed of Pink Celosia. Each year they choose a different color of flower
to emphasize in the beds at the entrance; this year they are pink.
"Salmon Pink New Guinea Impatiens" and "Decorative Kale"
"Salmon Pink New Guinea Impatiens"
"Blue Delphinium"
"Red Coleus" and "Blue Delphiniums"
"red Coleus," "Blue Delphinium," and "Aurora Apricot Diascia" flowers at entrance.
A visitor and some dahlias on this national festival day.
I hope you have enjoyed your virtual stroll through the Dahlia Garden.
__
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