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Description
Dahlia Apricot Desire is a stunning flower that belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is an herbaceous perennial that originated from Mexico and Central America. Dahlia Apricot Desire is a hybrid variety that was developed by breeding the Dahlia ‘Apricot Beauty’ and the Dahlia ‘Vancouver’.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
Dahlia Apricot Desire has large, showy blooms that measure up to 4-6 inches in diameter. The flowers are a beautiful shade of apricot-orange and have a slightly ruffled appearance. The petals are arranged in a semi-cactus form, with pointed tips and incurved edges. The dark green foliage is lush and dense, providing a striking contrast to the vibrant blooms.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Dahlia Apricot Desire plant thrives, it is important to follow these care guidelines:
- Water: Dahlia Apricot Desire needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, making sure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Feed your Dahlia Apricot Desire plant with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Soil: Dahlia Apricot Desire prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting to improve its fertility and texture.
- Sunlight: Dahlia Apricot Desire needs full sun to thrive. Plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Dahlia Apricot Desire is hardy in USDA zones 8-10. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual or lifted and stored indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dahlia Apricot Desire is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it may occasionally be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Control them by spraying the plant with a jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and Snails: These mollusks can feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, leaving ragged holes. Use a slug and snail bait to control them.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent it.
Habitat
Dahlia Apricot Desire is a warm-weather plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It is commonly grown in gardens and containers for its showy blooms, which attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Dahlia Apricot Desire is also a popular cut flower, prized for its long vase life and vibrant color.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dahlia Apricot Desire grow in partial shade?
A: No, Dahlia Apricot Desire needs full sun to thrive and produce abundant blooms.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Dahlia Apricot Desire plant?
A: Feed your Dahlia Apricot Desire plant with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Q: What is the best time to plant Dahlia Apricot Desire?
A: Plant Dahlia Apricot Desire in the spring, after the last frost date in your area.
Q: How do I store Dahlia Apricot Desire bulbs over the winter?
A: Dig up the bulbs in the fall, after the first frost. Cut back the foliage and let the bulbs dry for a few days. Store them in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage, until spring.
Related Plants
- Dahlia ‘Apricot Beauty’
- Dahlia ‘Vancouver’
- Dahlia ‘Golden Scepter’
- Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’
- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/growing-dahlia-plants.htm
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dahlia-apricot-desire
- https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/flowers/growing-dahlias
- https://www.almanac.com/plant/dahlias
