Contents
Description
The Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait, also known as the Café au Lait Dinnerplate Dahlia, is a popular hybrid dahlia known for its large, stunning blooms. Its flowers can grow up to 8-10 inches in diameter and are a soft blend of peach, cream, and pink colors. This dahlia is a favorite among gardeners and florists alike for its unique coloration and impressive size.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
The Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait is a tall, bushy plant that can reach up to 4 feet in height. Its large, dinnerplate-sized flowers are a soft blend of peach, cream, and pink colors, with each petal having a slightly different shade. The flowers have a delicate, fluffy texture and are held on strong, sturdy stems. The plant’s foliage is a deep green color and has a slightly rough texture.
Care Guide
The Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait requires regular care to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water your plant consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: Plant your Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This dahlia requires full sun to thrive, so plant it in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait is hardy in USDA zones 8-10. In colder climates, it can be grown as an annual or lifted and stored indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from your plant, causing stunted growth and distorted foliage.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing foliage and webbing on the plant.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and flowers, as well as a gray mold on the plant.
Habitat
The Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in warm, sunny locations with well-draining soil. In cultivation, it can be grown in a variety of locations, but it requires full sun and consistent moisture to thrive.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize my Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait?
A: Fertilize your plant every four to six weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can I grow the Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait in a container?
A: Yes, but make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and that it has drainage holes in the bottom.
Q: When should I plant my Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait?
A: Plant your dahlia in the spring after the last frost has passed.
Q: How do I overwinter my Dahlia Hybrid Cafe Au Lait?
A: In colder climates, lift the tubers after the first frost and store them in a cool, dry location until the following spring.
Related Plants
- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
- Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’
- Dahlia ‘Crazy Love’
References
- “Dahlia Hybrid ‘Café au Lait’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=250206&isprofile=0&. Accessed 15 Mar. 2021.
- “Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/336595/Dahlia-Caf%C3%A9-au-Lait/Details. Accessed 15 Mar. 2021.
- “Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’.” National Garden Bureau, ngb.org/year-of-the-dahlia-2022/dahlia-cafe-au-lait/. Accessed 15 Mar. 2021.
