Contents
Description
Dahlia Alva S Doris is a stunning flower that can add a pop of color to any garden. This dahlia variety has a bright pinkish-red color with a yellow center, making it stand out from other dahlia varieties. It is a hybrid variety that was bred by Alva S. Doris, an American dahlia breeder, in the 1970s.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
The Dahlia Alva S Doris grows up to 3 feet tall and produces large, bright pinkish-red flowers with a yellow center. The blooms can grow up to 8 inches in diameter and have a double-petaled arrangement. The foliage is dark green and has a slightly glossy texture. This dahlia variety is perfect for adding a pop of color to any garden or as a focal point in a flower bed.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Dahlia Alva S Doris grows healthy and beautiful, you need to follow a proper care guide. Here are some tips:Water: Dahlia Alva S Doris needs regular watering to thrive. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is moist to a depth of 6 inches.Fertilization: This dahlia variety needs regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Soil: Dahlia Alva S Doris prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If the soil in your garden is heavy, amend it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.Sunlight: This dahlia variety needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow healthy and produce beautiful blooms.Hardiness Zones: Dahlia Alva S Doris is hardy in zones 8-11. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow this dahlia variety as an annual or dig up the tubers in the fall and store them indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like other dahlia varieties, Dahlia Alva S Doris is susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some of the common ones:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and thrips can infest dahlia plants and cause damage to the leaves and flowers. To control these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.Diseases: Dahlia Alva S Doris can be affected by powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, and botrytis blight. To prevent these diseases, make sure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Dahlia Alva S Doris is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in sunny and well-draining soil. This dahlia variety prefers warm temperatures and can be grown as a perennial in zones 8-11.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Dahlia Alva S Doris in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow this dahlia variety in a container as long as the pot is at least 12 inches in diameter and has good drainage.Q: How often should I water my Dahlia Alva S Doris plant?
A: Water your dahlia plant deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is moist to a depth of 6 inches.Q: How do I fertilize Dahlia Alva S Doris?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.Q: Can I grow Dahlia Alva S Doris in a colder climate?
A: Yes, you can grow this dahlia variety as an annual or dig up the tubers in the fall and store them indoors during the winter.
Related Plants
Here are some related dahlia varieties that you might also like:
- Dahlia Arabian Night
- Dahlia Karma Sangria
- Dahlia Bishop of Llandaff
- Dahlia Cafe Au Lait
References
- Dahlia Alva S Doris. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2021, from https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/dahlia-alva-s-doris
- Dahlia Alva S Doris. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2021, from https://www.longfield-gardens.com/plantname/Dahlia-Alva-S-Doris
- Dahlia Alva S Doris. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2021, from https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/cut-flowers/dahlia/dahlia-alva-s-doris.html
