About Dahlias
Dahlias are stunning flowers known for their intricate petal patterns and vibrant colors. Native to Mexico and Central America, these show-stopping blooms range from small pompoms to dinner-plate sized flowers. Dahlias are the national flower of Mexico and have been cultivated since the time of the Aztecs.
With over 42 species and thousands of cultivated varieties, dahlias offer incredible diversity in size, shape, and color. They bloom from midsummer through the first frost, providing brilliant color when many other flowers are fading. From formal decorative types to whimsical ball dahlias, there's a dahlia for every taste and garden style.
Primary Meanings
- Elegance & Dignity: Represents inner strength and elegance
- Change & Diversity: Symbolizes positive change and standing out from the crowd
- Commitment: Often associated with lasting bonds and relationships
- Warning: In Victorian times, could mean instability or betrayal
Colors and Their Meanings
Red Dahlias
Power, strength, and passionate love
Pink Dahlias
Grace, kindness, and feminine beauty
Orange Dahlias
Energy, enthusiasm, and creativity
Yellow Dahlias
Joy, happiness, and good fortune
Purple Dahlias
Royalty, elegance, and dignity
White Dahlias
Purity, focus, and staying true to yourself
Popular Types
Decorative Dahlias
Full, broad petals that are slightly flat, most popular type
Ball Dahlias
Perfectly round blooms with tubular petals arranged in spiral
Cactus Dahlias
Pointed petals that curl backward, dramatic spiky appearance
Dinner Plate Dahlias
Massive blooms over 10 inches across, show-stoppers
Care Instructions
💧 Water
Change water every 2 days. Dahlias are heavy drinkers, check water daily.
✂️ Trim
Cut stems at 45-degree angle and remove lower leaves immediately.
🌡️ Temperature
Keep cool, away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit.
🔥 Hot Water Trick
For wilted dahlias: recut stems, place in 2-3 inches hot water for 2 minutes.
🌺 Flower Food
Always use flower food to extend vase life significantly.
Best Occasions
- Fall Weddings: Perfect for late summer and autumn celebrations
- Birthdays: August birth flower, great for summer birthdays
- Anniversaries: Represents lasting commitment and bonds
- Celebrations: Bold blooms for milestone events and parties
- Sympathy: Dignified presence for memorial arrangements
Interesting Facts
- Dahlias are the national flower of Mexico
- The Aztecs used dahlia tubers as a food source
- There are 42 dahlia species and over 20,000 cultivars
- Dinner plate dahlias can grow blooms 12+ inches across
- Dahlias are the birth flower for August
- The American Dahlia Society was founded in 1915