What does dahlia mean?
A dahlia is a tuberous-rooted flowering plant belonging to the genus Dahlia, a group of perennials native to Mexico and Central America. Dahlias are prized by gardeners and florists for their spectacular flower heads, which range from small pompons to large, dinner-plate-sized blooms in nearly every colour except true blue. The plants grow from underground tubers that are typically lifted and stored in colder climates over winter, then replanted in spring. Because they bloom from midsummer until the first frosts, dahlias are a mainstay of late-season borders and cutting gardens, and the flowers are popular in arrangements and exhibitions. The genus was named in honour of the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, and the dahlia holds special cultural significance as the national flower of Mexico.
nounA dahlia is a tuberous-rooted flowering plant of the genus Dahlia, native to Mexico and Central America, cultivated for its showy, often brightly coloured flower heads; the term also refers to the flower itself.
- A tuberous perennial plant of the genus Dahlia, native to Mexico and Central America, grown for its showy flowers.
- The showy flower head of this plant, especially when cut for display or arrangement.
"She cut a few dahlias from the garden and arranged them in a tall vase."
"The dahlias along the front path were at their peak in late summer."
"A single deep-red dahlia stood out against the white tablecloth."
Standard plural; singular 'dahlia' may be used collectively for a mass of blooms or plantings.
"They planted two rows of dahlias along the south-facing wall."
The dahlia was named after an 18th-century Swedish botanist, Anders Dahl — and it's the national flower of Mexico, where it grew wild long before Europe ever saw it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dahlia
The word dahlia is an eponym: the genus was named after Anders Dahl (1751–1789), a Swedish botanist who studied under Linnaeus. The plant itself is native to the highlands of Mexico and Central America, where it was known and cultivated long before European scientists described it; it was introduced to European gardens in the late eighteenth century. The English noun derives directly from the modern Latin genus name Dahlia.
How dahlia is actually used
Plural is usually 'dahlias'; 'dahlia' may also be used collectively for a planting. Numerous cultivated varieties exist, and names such as 'cactus', 'pompom', and 'dinner-plate' dahlia refer to flower forms rather than separate species.