Contents
Description
Dahlia Lauren Michele is a popular hybrid dahlia plant that was introduced in 1986 by the Dutch breeder Jan Haasjes. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers. This plant is known for its stunning blooms, which are large, fully double, and have a unique coloration that is difficult to describe. The base color of the petals is a soft yellow, which gradually fades to a pinkish-red hue towards the tips. The flowers are also sometimes referred to as “peachy-pink” or “apricot” in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
The Dahlia Lauren Michele plant grows to be approximately 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Its leaves are medium green in color and are finely toothed. The flowers of this plant are the main attraction, as they can grow up to 8 inches in diameter. The petals are thick and velvety, and the bloom may have up to 60 petals. The overall look of the flower is a round ball-shape. The plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is a great addition to any garden or flower bed.
Care Guide
The Dahlia Lauren Michele plant is fairly easy to care for, but it does require some attention to ensure that it grows and blooms properly. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Stop fertilizing once the plant starts to bloom.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to grow the plant in soil that is not too heavy, as it can cause the roots to rot.
- Sunlight: The Dahlia Lauren Michele plant prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA Zones 8-10, but can also be grown as an annual in colder climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like most plants, the Dahlia Lauren Michele is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:
- Spider mites: These pests are known to infest the plant and cause yellowing of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers. They can be controlled with slug and snail bait.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause the flowers to turn brown and mushy. It can be treated with a fungicide.
- Virus: The plant may be infected with a virus that causes mottling and streaking of the leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease and the plant should be removed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Habitat
The Dahlia Lauren Michele plant is native to Mexico, but is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world. It prefers warm, sunny climates and well-draining soil. In its native habitat, the plant grows in open fields and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Dahlia Lauren Michele plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size.
Q: How often should I deadhead the flowers?
A: You should deadhead the flowers as soon as they start to fade to promote more blooms. This should be done every few days during the growing season.
Q: How should I store the tubers over the winter?
A: The tubers should be dug up after the first frost and allowed to dry for a few days. Once they are dry, they should be stored in a cool, dry place until the next growing season.
Q: Can the plant be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from cuttings. You should take cuttings in the spring when the plant is actively growing.
Related Plants
- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
- Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’
- Dahlia ‘David Howard’
- Dahlia ‘Redskin’
References
- “Dahlia ‘Lauren Michele’.” Dave’s Garden. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/61582/
- “Dahlia ‘Lauren Michele’.” National Garden Bureau. https://ngb.org/year-of-the-dahlia/
- “Dahlia ‘Lauren Michele’.” Gardenia. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dahlia-lauren-michele
