Standouts in the garden and stunning in a bouquet, dahlias are a favorite flower that never ceases to amaze and offer lots of additional benefits. These ornamentals are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, though that is not the only reason they’ve become a popular choice among brides, florists, and gardeners alike. They also carry interesting meanings and symbolism that make them the ultimate choice for your garden or vase. Follow this guide to learn about the dahlia flower’s meaning, symbolism, origins, and more.
Table of Contents:
- Dahlia Flowers: History, Origins, and Cultural Significance
- Dahlia Flowers Meaning
- Dahlia Flower Symbolism
- Popular Dahlia Flower Color Meanings
- Dahlia Flower FAQs:
Dahlia Flowers: History, Origins, and Cultural Significance
Dahlias, part of the Asteraceae family, are native to Mexico and South America.
Although the exact origin of the name is not clear, many believe that it was named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl by the director of the Royal Gardens in Madrid, Antonio José Cavanilles.
There were even earlier reports that Swedish taxonomist and botanist Carl Linnaeus named the plant, but many opposed the idea as he died before the genus Dahlia was ever named.
Dahlias are also known as the Valley Flower because the word “Dahl” is similar in sound to the Swedish equivalent of “Valley.” Moreover, other gardeners refer to these flowers as the “Queen of the Autumn Garden” because they bloom longer than many other garden plants.
Dahlia flowers play an essential role in the history and culture of many countries. Garden Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata) is Mexico’s national flower. In the USA, the dahlia is the official flower of Seattle and the official flower of San Francisco.
These lovely blooms also have medicinal importance. The Aztecs, in particular, used this plant as a treatment against epilepsy. A substance called Atlantic starch, derived from the tubers of dahlias, was a renowned treatment for diabetes before the discovery of insulin.
Dahlia Flowers Meaning
Dahlia is a diverse genus of flowering plants in the same family as sunflowers and asters. Because of this diversity, Dahlia’s meaning in the language of flowers is varied. Their significance to many cultures likewise gave rise to different symbolic meanings of these stunning blooms.
Generally, the significance of dahlia flowers is positive. Perhaps the most common is finding inner strength, which relates to the plant’s ability to withstand harsh conditions.
More common meanings of dahlias are remaining graceful and standing out from the crowd. These flowers make the best gift for someone you admire or perceive as a strong person.
If you know anyone who’s experiencing a significant change in life, dahlias are the perfect flower to express support, good luck, or congratulations as they signify embracing positive changes.
Other known dahlia flower meanings include commitment and honesty. So, if you want to let someone special know you are committed, dahlia flowers are worth considering.
The flower invites positive energy due to its association with kindness and love for others.
Dahlia Flower Symbolism
Dahlias are the official birth flower for August, although other traditions recognize them as the November birth month flower instead.
Dahlia flowers hold different symbolism depending on their colors. Generally, these summer-blooming and vivid flowers symbolize elegance, inner strength, change, creativity, and dignity.
Though most of the symbolism is positive, dahlias still carry a few negative connotations, including betrayal, dishonesty, and instability.
During the Victorian era, dahlia flowers symbolized a lasting bond and lifelong commitment between two people. Presently, these blooms are a commemoration of something new, like joining a new religion or trying a new habit.
Moreover, this beautiful flower is often perceived as a symbol of diversity since its petals appear to fit perfectly into the whole head.
Popular Dahlia Flower Color Meanings
Red Dahlia Flowers
Red dahlia flowers are a known symbol of both strength and power. Because of that, you can give them to a sick or recovering friend as a get well soon gift. Red dahlias are also ideal gifting flowers for someone who’s about to embark on a new professional career or a new milestone in life.
White Dahlia Flowers
Like other white flower meanings, white dahlias are associated with purity and innocence. They also symbolize staying focused.
This color of dahlia is the best gift for grandparents on their birthdays. You can also give white dahlias for celebrations of baptism or new birth.
Because of their color, white dahlias are frequently part of weddings and other ceremonies.
Pink Dahlia and Purple Dahlia Flowers
Pink and purple dahlia flowers are associated with kindness, service, feminine beauty, and grace. They make an excellent gift for mothers, sisters, friends, or co-workers, whether it’s Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or birthday. They can also be a flower gift for your special someone, girlfriend, or wife for your anniversary.
Purple dahlias also symbolize royalty and dignity, which makes them the perfect gift for someone you appreciate and admire.
Blue Dahlia and Green Dahlia Flowers
Blue and green dahlia flowers are go-to blooms for those making changes in their lives. They are a symbol of a fresh start and positive changes.
Give a bunch of blue and green dahlias to a friend who’s moving out, starting a new career, buying a house, or having a new baby to express your support and congratulations.
Black Dahlia Flowers
Black dahlias, which are actually dark burgundy, convey negative meanings compared to the other shades. Since they have the strongest hue of all dahlias, they often symbolize betrayal, sadness, and other negative emotions.
For more, see our in-depth guide to black flower types and their symbolism here.
Dahlia Flower FAQs:
What does a dahlia tattoo mean?
Dahlia tattoos carry the symbolic meaning of inner strength, grace, and openness to change and evolution. Each different color used within the dahlia tattoo may also convey additional sentiments and meanings.
What is the dahlia flower used for?
Dahlia flowers have long been used in ancient medicinal practices. The Aztecs, in particular, used this plant as a treatment against epilepsy. A substance called Atlantic starch, derived from the tubers of dahlias, was a renowned treatment for diabetes before the discovery of insulin.
Are dahlias poisonous?
The foliage and tubers of dahlia flowers contain traces of toxic compounds which can cause negative side effects if consumed.
What do black dahlias mean?
The black dahlia, which is actually dark burgundy, conveys negative meanings of betrayal and sadness. Despite these connotations, they are still sought after for their stunning color.
What does Dahlia smell like?
Dahlias have no real noticeable fragrance except for very light floral notes.
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As a passionate horticulturist with extensive expertise in the field of ornamental flowers, particularly dahlias, I find immense joy in sharing my knowledge about these stunning blooms. Over the years, my hands-on experience and in-depth research have allowed me to unravel the rich history, cultural significance, meanings, and symbolism associated with dahlias.
Dahlias, scientifically classified under the Asteraceae family, are indigenous to Mexico and South America. The origin of the name remains a subject of debate, with some attributing it to Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, while others mention Carl Linnaeus. The versatility of dahlias is evident in their nickname, the "Queen of the Autumn Garden," reflecting their prolonged blooming period.
These flowers have transcended mere ornamental value; they are integral to the history and culture of various regions. For instance, the Garden Dahlia is the national flower of Mexico, while in the USA, dahlias hold official flower status for Seattle and San Francisco. Beyond aesthetics, dahlias were used by the Aztecs for medicinal purposes, particularly in treating epilepsy, and Atlantic starch derived from dahlia tubers was once a recognized remedy for diabetes.
Dahlia flowers boast a diverse genus within the Asteraceae family, akin to sunflowers and asters. This diversity contributes to the varied meanings they hold in the language of flowers. Common themes include inner strength, grace, standing out from the crowd, and embracing positive changes. Dahlias symbolize commitment, honesty, and radiate positive energy associated with kindness and love.
As the official birth flower for August and with different colors representing distinct symbolism, dahlias offer a nuanced language of expression. Red dahlias signify strength and power, white dahlias embody purity and innocence, while pink and purple dahlias convey kindness, beauty, and grace. Blue and green dahlias represent fresh starts and positive changes, while black dahlias, despite their negative connotations, are sought after for their stunning color.
In addition to their symbolism, dahlias have made their mark in the world of body art. Dahlia tattoos symbolize inner strength, grace, and openness to change and evolution, with each color within the tattoo carrying additional sentiments.
The extensive historical significance, diverse symbolism, and vibrant color meanings make dahlias a captivating subject of study and appreciation for both enthusiasts and those seeking to understand the language of flowers. As we explore the depths of this floral realm, it becomes evident that dahlias not only stand out in gardens and bouquets but also in the cultural tapestry of various societies.
