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Description
The Dahlia Alfred Grille, also known as the Dahlia hybrid ‘Alfred Grille’, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a hybrid variety that was created by Dr. Keith Hammett, a renowned New Zealand plant breeder, in the late 1990s. This plant was named after the famous New Zealand breeder and horticulturist, Alfred Grille, and it has gained popularity among gardeners worldwide due to its unique features.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
The Dahlia Alfred Grille is a bushy plant that can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It has dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and toothed. The flowers of this plant are its main attraction, and they come in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The flowers are large (up to 6 inches in diameter) and have a unique quilled shape, which means that the petals are rolled up and tightly packed together. This gives the flowers a fluffy, pom-pom-like appearance.
Care Guide
The Dahlia Alfred Grille is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, but make sure that the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot. Dahlia Alfred Grille prefers moist soil, so make sure that you water it at least once a week, more often during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). This will help it produce more flowers and stay healthy.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can mix in some compost or aged manure to improve the soil quality. Make sure that the pH level is between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: Dahlia Alfred Grille prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure that it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to dig up the tubers and store them indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dahlia Alfred Grille is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can still be affected by some common issues. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the leaves and flowers, causing them to wilt and die. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can chew holes in the leaves and flowers. Use slug bait or copper tape to keep them away.
- Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. Make sure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
The Dahlia Alfred Grille is a hybrid plant that was created by crossing different species of Dahlia. It is not found in the wild, but it can be grown in gardens and landscapes in suitable climates. This plant prefers warm temperatures and moderate humidity, which is why it thrives in coastal areas and other mild climates.
Question and Answer
Q: How do I propagate Dahlia Alfred Grille?
A: You can propagate this plant by dividing the tubers in the fall, after the foliage has died back. Make sure that each division has at least one healthy shoot and root system. Plant the divisions in well-prepared soil and water them regularly until they start to grow.
Q: Can I grow Dahlia Alfred Grille in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow this plant in containers as long as the pot is large enough to accommodate its size. Make sure that the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter, and that the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Q: When is the best time to plant Dahlia Alfred Grille?
A: You can plant this plant in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Make sure that the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F, and that there is no risk of a late frost. You can also plant it in the fall, but make sure that you do it at least 6-8 weeks before the first frost to allow the plant to establish.
Q: How do I overwinter Dahlia Alfred Grille?
A: If you live in a colder climate, you can dig up the tubers in the fall, after the foliage has died back. Brush off the soil and let them dry in a warm, dry place for a few days. Store them in a cool, dry place (like a basement or garage) in a container filled with peat moss or vermiculite. Check them periodically to make sure that they are not rotting or drying out.
Related Plants
If you like Dahlia Alfred Grille, you may also be interested in these related plants:
- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
- Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’
- Dahlia ‘David Howard’
- Dahlia ‘Karma Choc’
- Dahlia ‘Moonfire’
References
- “Dahlia ‘Alfred Grille’.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/305625/Dahlia-Alfred-Grille/Details.
- “Dahlia ‘Alfred Grille’.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a622.
- Hammett, Keith. “Dahlia ‘Alfred Grille’.” Plant Breeding. http://www.keithhammettbreeding.com/dahlia-alfred-grille.html.
