Contents
Description
Dahlia Little Dorrit, also known as Dahlia ‘Little Dorrit,’ is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant was originally bred in the United Kingdom, and it has gained popularity around the world due to its stunning double flowers that bloom in various colors.The flowers of Dahlia Little Dorrit are medium-sized, with a diameter of 2-3 inches. They are characterized by their unique shape, which consists of multiple layers of petals that form a round, ball-like structure. The colors of the flowers range from pink to purple, with some varieties having a combination of both colors.Dahlia Little Dorrit is a perennial plant, which means that it can survive for several years if given proper care. It blooms in late summer and early fall, making it a perfect addition to any garden or landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
Dahlia Little Dorrit is a compact plant that grows up to 18-24 inches in height and 12-18 inches in width. It has dark green leaves that are smooth and glossy, measuring about 3-4 inches in length.The flowers of Dahlia Little Dorrit are the main attraction of this plant. They are double flowers with multiple layers of petals that form a round ball-like structure. The petals are smooth and velvety, and they come in shades of pink and purple.
Care Guide
Dahlia Little Dorrit requires proper care to thrive and produce beautiful flowers. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: Dahlia Little Dorrit requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers.Fertilization: Dahlia Little Dorrit requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.Soil: Dahlia Little Dorrit requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. It is recommended to add compost or aged manure to the soil before planting.Sunlight: Dahlia Little Dorrit requires full sun to partial shade to grow and bloom. It is recommended to plant this plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Dahlia Little Dorrit is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder regions, it can be grown as an annual plant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dahlia Little Dorrit is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and bronzing. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.Botrytis blight: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Remove infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to control the disease.
Habitat
Dahlia Little Dorrit is native to Mexico and Central America. It grows well in warm and humid climates, and it requires well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade to grow and bloom.Dahlia Little Dorrit is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes as an ornamental plant. It is also used in floral arrangements due to its beautiful flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dahlia Little Dorrit grow in a container?
A: Yes, Dahlia Little Dorrit can be grown in a container as long as it is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.Q: How often should I fertilize Dahlia Little Dorrit?
A: It is recommended to fertilize Dahlia Little Dorrit every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.Q: Does Dahlia Little Dorrit attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Dahlia Little Dorrit is a nectar-rich plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.Q: How do I propagate Dahlia Little Dorrit?
A: Dahlia Little Dorrit can be propagated by dividing the plant’s tubers in the spring.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dahlia Little Dorrit:- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’- Dahlia ‘Cafe au Lait’- Dahlia ‘David Howard’- Dahlia ‘Karma Choc’- Dahlia ‘Moonfire’
References
– “Dahlia ‘Little Dorrit’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/74154/i-Dahlia-i-Little-Dorrit/Details.- “Dahlia Little Dorrit.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b730.- “Dahlia Little Dorrit.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/little-dorrit-dahlia.htm.
