Contents
Description
The Dahlia Lake Ontario is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a hybrid variety that was developed by Dr. Keith Hammett, a renowned New Zealand plant breeder. The plant is named after Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes of North America. It is a popular choice among gardeners due to its stunning blooms and easy-to-care-for nature.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
The Dahlia Lake Ontario plant grows up to 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It features large, semi-double flowers that can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. The flowers have a vivid red color with a yellow center. The petals are slightly curved, giving them a unique and elegant appearance. The plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall and can produce a large number of flowers.
Care Guide
The Dahlia Lake Ontario is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in various conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the plant deeply once a week or whenever the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooms.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting.
- Sunlight: The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Plant it in a location that receives full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 8-10. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dahlia Lake Ontario is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that can cause leaf distortion and yellowing. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: Tiny insects that can cause leaf stippling and discoloration. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on leaves. Treat with a fungicide spray or neem oil.
Habitat
The Dahlia Lake Ontario is a hybrid variety that was developed in New Zealand. It can grow in various habitats, including gardens, borders, and containers. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize my Dahlia Lake Ontario plant?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooms.
Q: Can the Dahlia Lake Ontario plant grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size.
Q: What is the blooming period of the Dahlia Lake Ontario plant?
A: The plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
Q: How tall does the Dahlia Lake Ontario plant grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
- Dahlia ‘Crimson Pirate’
- Dahlia ‘David Howard’
- Dahlia ‘Fascination’
- Dahlia ‘Firepot’
References
- “Dahlia ‘Lake Ontario’.” Fine Gardening, The Taunton Press, www.finegardening.com/plant/dahlia-lake-ontario.
- “Dahlia ‘Lake Ontario’.” Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=272015.
- “Dahlia ‘Lake Ontario’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/316997/Dahlia-Lake-Ontario/Details.
