Contents
Description
The Dahlia Seattle is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is known for its large, colorful blooms that come in a variety of shades, including pink, red, yellow, orange, and white. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and blooms from midsummer to early autumn. It is a popular choice among gardeners due to its vibrant colors and long blooming season.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
The Dahlia Seattle has large, showy flowers that can measure up to 8 inches across. The blooms come in a variety of shapes, including round, pointed, and quilled, and can have single or double rows of petals. The leaves are dark green and can be toothed or smooth, depending on the variety. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and typically requires staking to support its heavy blooms.
Care Guide
The Dahlia Seattle requires regular watering, fertilization, and sunlight to thrive. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and should be planted in full sun or partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and should be protected from frost and freezing temperatures. To care for the Dahlia Seattle:
- Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer
- Plant in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5
- Provide full sun or partial shade
- Protect from frost and freezing temperatures
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dahlia Seattle is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:
- Spider mites
- Aphids
- Cutworms
- Powdery mildew
- Botrytis blight
To prevent pest and disease problems, keep the plant healthy and well-maintained by providing adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients. Remove any dead or diseased foliage promptly and treat with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide as needed.
Habitat
The Dahlia Seattle is native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountainsides. It is commonly cultivated as a garden plant in temperate climates around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dahlia Seattle be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Dahlia Seattle can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and provides adequate drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize Dahlia Seattle?
A: Dahlia Seattle should be fertilized every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I protect Dahlia Seattle from frost?
A: To protect Dahlia Seattle from frost, cover the plant with a frost cloth or blanket, or move it indoors to a protected location.
Q: How long does Dahlia Seattle bloom?
A: Dahlia Seattle typically blooms from midsummer to early autumn, for a period of several weeks to several months.
Related Plants
- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
- Dahlia ‘Thomas Edison’
- Dahlia ‘David Howard’
- Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dahlia-seattle
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-dahlia-flowers-1402749
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/caring-for-dahlia-plants.htm
