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Description
The Dahlia Café Au Lait is a stunning and popular variety of dahlia. It is known for its large and delicate blooms, which are a creamy white color with hints of pink and peach. The flowers grow to be around 10-12 inches in diameter and have a unique, almost watercolor-like appearance. This dahlia is a favorite among gardeners and floral designers for its beauty and versatility.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
The Dahlia Café Au Lait has large, showy blooms that are a creamy white color with hints of pink and peach. The flowers have a unique, almost watercolor-like appearance and can grow to be around 10-12 inches in diameter. The plant itself can grow up to four feet tall and two feet wide, with dark green foliage that contrasts beautifully with the delicate blooms. This dahlia is a stunning addition to any garden or floral arrangement.
Care Guide
To care for the Dahlia Café Au Lait, it’s important to provide it with plenty of water, fertilizer, and sunlight. The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Fertilizer should be applied every few weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.This dahlia thrives in full sun, so it should be planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, but can be grown as an annual in colder climates. In areas with harsh winters, the plant should be dug up and stored indoors during the winter months.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dahlia Café Au Lait is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including spider mites, thrips, and powdery mildew. Spider mites and thrips can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil, while powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. It’s important to monitor the plant regularly and take action at the first sign of pests or disease to prevent further damage.
Habitat
The Dahlia Café Au Lait is native to Mexico and Central America, but is now widely cultivated around the world. It prefers warm, sunny climates and is often grown in gardens and used in floral arrangements. This dahlia thrives in well-draining soil and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Dahlia Café Au Lait?
A: The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for this dahlia?
A: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be used every few weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can the Dahlia Café Au Lait be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this dahlia can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant and have good drainage.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for this plant?
A: The Dahlia Café Au Lait is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Related Plants
- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
- Dahlia ‘Mystic Dreamer’
- Dahlia ‘Cactus Mix’
- Dahlia ‘Babylon Bronze’
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dahlia-cafe-au-lait
- https://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/dahlia-cafe-au-lait
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/growing-dahlia-plants.htm
