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Dahlia
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Dahlia

Dahlia

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameDahlia
DescriptionSpectacular tuberous perennial renowned for extraordinarily diverse flower forms ranging from tiny 2-inch pompons to massive 12-inch dinner plates, in virtually every color except true blue. Flower types include cactus (spiky, rolled petals), decorative (broad, flat petals), waterlily (elegant, layered), anemone (cushion center), and many more. Blooms prolifically from midsummer through first frost, providing continuous garden color and premium cut flowers prized by florists and exhibition growers worldwide.
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
TribeCoreopsideae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaRay florets - Br % ♀ K0 C∞ A0 G(2), Disk florets - Br ⊕ ⚥ K0 C(5) A(5) G(2)

Composite flower head (capitulum). Ray florets - Bracteate, bilaterally symmetrical, female (or sterile), no sepals (modified to pappus or absent), numerous fused petals forming strap-shaped ray, no stamens, 2 fused carpels with inferior ovary. Disk florets - Bracteate, radially symmetrical, bisexual, no sepals, 5 fused petals forming tube, 5 fused stamens, 2 fused carpels with inferior ovary

Features
  • Named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl (1751-1789), student of Linnaeus. National flower of Mexico where Aztecs cultivated dahlias for food (edible tubers) and ceremony. Introduced to Europe in 1789. 'Bishop of Llandaff' is famous cultivar with dark burgundy foliage and scarlet flowers. Over 42 species, 57,000+ registered cultivars
  • Flowers 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) across depending on type. Classified into 14-19 groups by form: single, anemone, collarette, waterlily, decorative, ball, pompon, cactus, semi-cactus, and more. Colors include red, pink, purple, orange, yellow, white, and bicolors (no true blue). Composite flower heads with ray and disc florets
  • Tuberous perennial (grown as annual in cold climates). Blooms midsummer through first frost (July-October). Requires lifting and storing tubers in zones colder than 8. Produces multiple stems from single tuber clump. Pinching and disbudding increase flower size and quantity
  • Grows 1-6 feet (30-180 cm) tall depending on variety (border dahlias 1-2 feet, medium 2-4 feet, tall 4-6 feet). Lifespan of tubers many years with proper storage. Propagated by dividing tuber clumps (each division needs eye/growth point), stem cuttings, or seed (doesn't come true)
  • Native to Mexico and Central America, particularly mountainous regions of Mexico and Guatemala at elevations 4,000-6,000 feet. Grown by Aztecs for centuries before European introduction. Now cultivated worldwide, especially popular in UK, Netherlands, and United States
  • Requires full sun with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Prefers rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Plant tubers after last frost, 4-6 inches deep. Stake tall varieties. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Dig tubers after first frost in cold climates, store 40-50°F (4-10°C)
  • Premium cut flower lasting 5-7 days (cut in morning, recut stems daily). Popular in competitive flower shows with strict classification standards. Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Deer resistant. Tubers historically eaten by Aztecs (taste like water chestnuts). Requires significant care but rewards with spectacular blooms

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificDahlia
English (Alternate)Bishop of Llandaff, Valley flower, Flower of the valley
Hindiडेहलिया (Dehliya), डहेलिया (Dahaliya)
Tamilசீமையல்லி (Seemai alli), டாலியா (Dahlia), டைல்ய (Dailya)
Teluguదాలియా (Dahlia), దాలియా పువ్వు (Dahlia puvvu)
Malayalamഡാലിയ (Daaliya)
Kannadaಡೇರೆ (Daeere), ಡೇರೆ ಹೂ (Daeere Hoo)
Sanskritदालियापुष्प (Dāliya Puṣpam), दालिया (Dāliya)
Bengaliডালিয়া ফুল (Daliya Phul)
Frenchle dahlia
Russianгеоргин (georgin), далия (daliya)
Spanishdalia
Germandie Dahlie

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.