Dahlia coccinea (Scarlet Dahlia)

Dahlia coccinea, with its wild charm and adaptability, is a delightful species that brings a touch of the untamed into the garden. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners seeking to create a space that balances cultivated beauty with naturalistic elements.

Dahlia coccinea: An In-depth Look

Dahlia coccinea, commonly known as the scarlet dahlia or wild dahlia, is a species with a natural and graceful appearance. It features less structured blooms tha cultivated varieties, showcasing the dahlia’s inherent beauty.

Native: Native to Mexico, Dahlia coccinea thrives in mountainous regions and is adapted to a range of environmental conditions, contributing to its resilience.

Plant Type and Habit: This species is a herbaceous perennial with an upright and bushy growth habit. It’s known for its vigor and ability to form sizeable clumps in suitable conditions.

Size: It generally reaches about 3-5 feet in height (90-150 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions. While it can be quite tall, it has a terrific delicate habit of growing through other plants and does not need staking.

Flowers: The single flowers measuring 3-4 inches across (7-10 cm) feature radiant golden centers encircled by ray florets, predominantly in vivid orange scarlet. Variations include shades of yellow, orange, dark maroon, or multicolored petals, offering a diverse and vibrant display.

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

Foliage: The foliage is characterized by its attractive, toothed leaves, which can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) in length. These leaves are typically dark green on the upper side and paler green underneath. The leaf structure varies, ranging from simple to a three-pinnate (triple-divided) arrangement, adding a lush and textured look to the plant. This foliage not only provides a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant flowers but also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant in a garden setting.

Uses: Ideal for mixed borders, cottage gardens, and as a naturalistic planting in wildflower gardens. Its less formal appearance suits relaxed garden styles.

Hardiness: Scarlet Dahlia is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

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: This species is not considered invasive and tends to grow well without dominating garden spaces.

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.

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.

Pests and Diseases: Dahlias are generally relatively disease and pest-resistant, but there are a few common issues to watch out such as aphids, botrytis blight, earwigs, powdery mildew, slugs and snails, spider mites, and thrips.