Contents
Description
Dahlia Great Hercules is a beautiful and popular flower in the Asteraceae family known for its large, vibrant blooms that can reach up to 10 inches in diameter. It is a hybrid dahlia that was first introduced in the Netherlands in 2006 and quickly gained popularity due to its stunning appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
Dahlia Great Hercules has large, bright yellow blooms with red tips and a dark center. The petals are broad and slightly curled, giving the flower a unique and eye-catching appearance. The plant can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, making it an ideal choice for garden borders and cut flower arrangements.
Care Guide
Water: Dahlia Great Hercules needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause the roots to rot.
Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Add compost or organic matter to improve soil quality.
Sunlight: Dahlia Great Hercules needs full sun exposure to thrive and produce abundant blooms. Plant it in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: The plant can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F and is hardy in zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dahlia Great Hercules is susceptible to pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites. It can also be affected by diseases such as powdery mildew, botrytis blight, and bacterial wilt. Regular inspection and treatment with organic or chemical pesticides and fungicides can help prevent and control these issues.
Habitat
Dahlia Great Hercules is a hybrid dahlia that was created for ornamental purposes and is commonly grown in gardens and flower beds. It is native to Mexico and Central America and thrives in warm and sunny climates.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Dahlia Great Hercules?
A: It needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Water it deeply once a week, or more often if the soil feels dry.
Q: Can I grow Dahlia Great Hercules in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow it in a large container with well-draining soil and provide it with regular watering and fertilization.
Q: When is the best time to plant Dahlia Great Hercules?
A: Plant it in the spring, after the last frost date in your area. Make sure the soil has warmed up and is workable before planting.
Q: How can I propagate Dahlia Great Hercules?
A: You can propagate it by dividing the tubers in the fall, after the plant has finished blooming. Make sure each section has at least one eye and plant it at the same depth as the original tuber.
Related Plants
- Dahlia Arabian Night
- Dahlia Bishop of Llandaff
- Dahlia Karma Choc
- Dahlia Cafe Au Lait
- Dahlia Classic Poeme
References
- American Dahlia Society. (n.d.). Dahlia Great Hercules. Retrieved from https://www.dahlia.org/great-hercules/
- BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. (2021, May 31). How to grow dahlias. Retrieved from https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-dahlias/
- RHS. (n.d.). Dahlia ‘Great Hercules’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/262421/Dahlia-Great-Hercules-(D)/Details
