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Dahlia ‘Thomas Edison’

Thomas Edison Dahlia , Decorative Dahlia, DinnerPlate Dahlia

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Dahlia ‘Thomas Edison’ is a remarkable variety that offers both aesthetic appeal and practical versatility. Its stunning purple blooms, robust growth, and adaptability make it a prized choice for gardeners and floral enthusiasts. Whether used to enhance the beauty of a garden or as part of a sophisticated floral arrangement, ‘Thomas Edison’ stands out as a symbol of horticultural excellence and dramatic charm.

Dahlia ‘Thomas Edison’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Thomas Edison’ is a distinguished member of the decorative dahlia group, celebrated for its rich, deep purple blooms. This type is characterized by its fully double flowers, lacking a central disc, with broad, flat, or slightly rolled petals arranged in a regular, symmetrical pattern. It is also classified as a dinnerplate dahlia due to its impressively large flowers.

Native: Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America. This cultivar results from extensive breeding and does not occur naturally in the wild.

Plant Type and Habit: This dahlia is a tuberous-rooted perennial with a bushy, upright growth habit. This variety is known for its strength and vigor, providing a reliable and striking display in garden settings.

Size: It generally reaches about 36-48 inches in height (90-120 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions.

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Thomas Edison’ are a key highlight, with their luxurious deep purple hue. The fully double blooms are large, typically measuring 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The petals have a velvety texture, and their rich color can appear almost luminous in sunlight, adding a dramatic flair to any garden or bouquet.

Bloom Time: Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost it provides long-lasting color in the garden.

Foliage: The foliage is typical of dahlias, with dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the bright flowers.

Uses: Thomas Edison’ is highly versatile in its application. It is a favorite for cut flower arrangements due to its striking color and large size. In the garden, it serves as an excellent choice for creating a focal point in borders or as part of mixed plantings. The plant’s height and dramatic blooms also make it suitable for background plantings in larger garden designs.

Hardiness: Dahlias are hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder zones, tubers need to be lifted and stored over winter.

Toxicity: Dahlias are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Their ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other health issues in pets and livestock.

Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Deer and Rabbit: Dahlias are somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits but may still be vulnerable to browsing.

Invasiveness: Not invasive; dahlias grow from tubers and do not spread aggressively.

Dahlia Growing Tips

Light: Dahlias love the sun, so choose a location with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil: Dahlias prefer well-drained, loamy soil. They don’t tolerate water-logged conditions, so if your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

Planting Time: Dahlias are usually planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Planting Depth: Dahlia tubers should be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, with the “eye” (the small bump from where the stem will grow) facing upward.

Watering: Dahlias like consistent moisture. Water them deeply a couple of times a week, more often if your area is experiencing a drought. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing: Dahlias respond well to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush, leafy growth and fewer flowers.

Deadheading: Regularly removing the spent flowers (deadheading) will keep your dahlias producing more blooms.

Overwintering: In colder climates (zones 7 and below), you’ll need to dig up and store the tubers indoors over the winter.

Pests and Diseases: Dahlias are generally relatively disease and pest-resistant, but there are a few common issues to watch out such as aphidsbotrytis blightearwigs, powdery mildew, slugs and snailsspider mites, and thrips.

Dahlia: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Learn how to plant, grow and care for Dahlia flowers and add a bright pop of summer color to your garden

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Dahlia
Common names Dahlia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Dahlia
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Dahlia ‘Nadia Ruth’
Dahlia ‘Omega’
Dahlia ‘Feline Yvonne’
Dahlia ‘Dazzling Magic’
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Dover’
Dahlia ‘Avignon’

Recommended Companion Plants

Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Crocosmia (Montbretia)
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Bee-Friendly Dahlia Flowers
Dahlia – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
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For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
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Dahlia
Most Beautiful Dinner Plate Dahlias
Waterlily Dahlias
Mignon and Single Dahlias
Cactus and Semi Cactus Dahlias
Anemone and Collarette Dahlias
Peony-Flowered and Orchid Dahlias
Pompon and Ball Dahlias
Decorative Dahlias
Beautiful Dahlias to Crave For
Great Ornamental Grasses to Grow with Your Favorite Dahlias
Great Perennial Plants to Grow with Your Favorite Dahlias
Dahlias with Dark Foliage
Dahlia: Plant Care and Growing Guide
Best Dahlias For Cutting
Best Dahlias For Containers and Low Borders
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Dahlia
Common names Dahlia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Dahlia
Guides with
Dahlia
Not sure which Dahlia to pick?
Compare Now

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