Contents
Description
Dahlia Mick S Peppermint is a hybrid dahlia with striking bi-colored flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. The flowers have a white base with pink and red stripes, giving them a unique peppermint candy appearance. This dahlia cultivar is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers. It is a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of color to their gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
The Dahlia Mick S Peppermint has a bushy, upright growth habit and can reach a height of up to 3 feet. Its leaves are dark green and lobed, and its flowers can grow up to 4 inches in diameter. The flowers have a unique peppermint candy appearance, with a white base and pink and red stripes. The plant blooms in the summer and fall, and its flowers attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
Care Guide
Dahlia Mick S Peppermint requires regular care to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the dahlia in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Dahlia Mick S Peppermint is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dahlia Mick S Peppermint is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These tiny insects feed on the plant’s sap and can cause yellowing and distorted leaves.
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stunted growth by sucking on the plant’s sap.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and can cause leaf drop and stunted growth.
Habitat
Dahlia Mick S Peppermint is native to Mexico and Central America but is widely cultivated in gardens around the world. It prefers warm temperatures and well-draining soil and is often grown as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dahlia Mick S Peppermint be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth.
Q: Does Dahlia Mick S Peppermint require pruning?
A: Yes, the plant requires pruning to encourage bushy growth and remove dead or damaged foliage.
Q: What is the best time to plant Dahlia Mick S Peppermint?
A: The plant should be planted in the spring after the last frost.
Q: How often should Dahlia Mick S Peppermint be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.
Related Plants
- Dahlia Arabian Night
- Dahlia Bishop of Llandaff
- Dahlia Cafe Au Lait
- Dahlia Cornel Bronze
References
- “Dahlia ‘Mick’s Peppermint’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c174.
- “Dahlia Mick’s Peppermint.” National Garden Bureau, www.ngb.org/year-of-the-dahlia-2022/dahlia-micks-peppermint/.
