The Bon Odori Dahlia is a captivating choice for garden enthusiasts. Its striking appearance makes it a focal point, providing abundant blooms that enhance any outdoor space.
Distinctive Features of Bon Odori Dahlia
The Bon Odori Dahlia has a distinct bloom structure and color palette. Its flowers are about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, classified as Anemone or Powder Puff type dahlias. This means they have a ring of flattened outer ray florets surrounding a dense, cushion-like center of shorter, tubular florets.
The petals blend white and red, often appearing as icy white with dramatic red streaks. Color intensity can vary from subtly striped to almost entirely red. The central cushion displays creamy white or creamy yellow hues. Growing 2 to 4 feet (70 cm to 1 meter) tall with a spread of 12 to 20 inches (30-50 cm), ‘Bon Odori’ supports beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Planting and Establishing Bon Odori Dahlias
Planting Bon Odori Dahlias requires careful site selection and soil preparation. They thrive in full sun, ideally six to eight hours daily, which promotes robust growth and abundant flowering. The soil must be well-draining, as tubers rot in soggy conditions, and rich in organic matter. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure improves drainage and fertility.
Plant tubers after all danger of frost has passed in spring, when the soil has warmed sufficiently. Dig a 4 to 6-inch deep hole, placing the tuber horizontally with the “eye” or sprout facing upwards. Space tubers 18 to 24 inches apart. After planting, water sparingly until the first green shoots emerge, typically within a few weeks, to prevent rot. Once sprouts appear, initiate a more consistent watering schedule.
Ongoing Care for Thriving Bon Odori Dahlias
Bon Odori Dahlias require consistent care to flourish. Once established, they need regular, deep watering, especially during hot, dry periods, aiming for one to two inches per week. Allow the soil to dry slightly between applications. Overwatering, particularly when plants are young, can cause tuber rot. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen formula; too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth over blooms. A balanced fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus and potassium applied every three weeks is beneficial.
Due to their height, Bon Odori Dahlias may need staking to prevent stems and heavy blooms from flopping. Place support structures at planting time to avoid damaging developing tubers. Regular deadheading of spent flowers encourages more blooms throughout the season, extending the display until the first frost. Removing lower leaves improves air circulation, deterring pests like slugs and earwigs and reducing fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. In colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7), lift tubers before the first hard frost, typically 10 to 14 days after the initial light frost. After digging, cure tubers for several weeks in a well-ventilated area. Store them in a cool, dark, dry location, ideally between 40-50°F (4-10°C), in materials like peat moss or vermiculite.
The Significance Behind the Name
The name “Bon Odori” for this dahlia refers to a traditional Japanese folk dance festival. This celebration, held during the Obon season in mid-August (or mid-July in some regions), is when families honor ancestral spirits. Participants dance in a circle, often around a raised platform called a Yagura, accompanied by festive music and lanterns symbolizing guiding lights.
The dahlia’s name reflects its vibrant, celebratory appearance. Its white and red streaked petals, vivid colors, and dynamic form evoke the festival’s lively, joyous atmosphere. Like the Bon Odori festival, the dahlia’s blooming presence adds vibrancy and celebration to a garden.