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Description
Dahlia Honka Surprise is a stunning flower that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a hybrid variety that features large flowers with beautiful, creamy white petals and a bright yellow center. The petals are arranged in a unique, twisted, and curved pattern, which gives the flower an interesting and eye-catching appearance.This variety of dahlia is a relatively new cultivar, which was developed in the Netherlands in 2005. It has quickly become popular among gardeners and flower enthusiasts due to its unique and attractive appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
Dahlia Honka Surprise is a medium-sized flower that can grow up to 2-3 feet in height. The flowers can reach a diameter of up to 4-6 inches. The creamy white petals are twisted and curved, giving the flower a unique and interesting appearance. The center of the flower is bright yellow, with small, elongated petals surrounding it.The leaves of the plant are dark green and serrated, with a slightly glossy texture. They are oval-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches in length.
Care Guide
Dahlia Honka Surprise requires proper care to thrive and produce beautiful flowers. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:Water: Dahlia Honka Surprise requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Avoid getting the leaves wet when watering to prevent fungal diseases.Fertilization: This plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.Soil: Dahlia Honka Surprise prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.Sunlight: This plant requires full sunlight to grow and bloom. It should be planted in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Dahlia Honka Surprise is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder climates, it should be dug up and stored indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like other dahlia varieties, Dahlia Honka Surprise is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves and flowers. Use slug bait or copper strips to control them.Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause brown spots and rotting of the flowers. It can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Dahlia Honka Surprise is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including open fields and forest edges. In cultivation, it is typically grown in gardens and flower beds.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize Dahlia Honka Surprise?A: This plant should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.Q: Can Dahlia Honka Surprise be grown in containers?A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.Q: Is Dahlia Honka Surprise poisonous?A: No, this plant is not poisonous to humans or animals.Q: How long do the blooms of Dahlia Honka Surprise last?A: The blooms of this plant can last up to 2-3 weeks.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might be interested in:- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’- Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’- Dahlia ‘Mystic Dreamer’- Dahlia ‘Redskin’- Dahlia ‘Vancouver’
References
– “Dahlia Honka Surprise.” National Garden Bureau. https://ngb.org/year-of-the-dahlia/dahlia-honka-surprise/- “Dahlia Honka Surprise.” Gardenia.net. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dahlia-honka-surprise- “Dahlia Honka Surprise.” Dave’s Garden. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/189988/
