Dahlia Megan Dean

Description

Dahlia Megan Dean is a stunning flower that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a hybrid variety that was created in the United States and is named after Megan Dean, who is the daughter of the breeder. This dahlia variety is known for its large, double blooms that come in shades of deep pink, magenta, and purple. The flowers have a diameter of around 4-6 inches and bloom from mid-summer until the first frost.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Angiospermae
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Dahlia

Appearance

The Dahlia Megan Dean plant can grow up to 3-4 feet in height and has a spread of 2-3 feet. The foliage is dark green and slightly serrated, and the stems are sturdy and upright. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant, with large, double blooms that have layered petals. The color of the blooms ranges from deep pink to magenta and has a darker center. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and are perfect for cut flower arrangements.

Care Guide

Proper care is essential to ensure that Dahlia Megan Dean thrives and produces beautiful blooms. Below are some care tips:

Water

The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry weather.

Fertilization

Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing once the blooming season is over.

Soil

The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range is between 6.0-7.0. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Sunlight

Dahlia Megan Dean requires full sun to bloom properly. Plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Hardiness Zones

Dahlia Megan Dean thrives in hardiness zones 8-11. In colder climates, the plant can be grown as an annual or lifted and stored indoors during the winter months.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dahlia Megan Dean is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:

Pests

Aphids
Spider Mites
Cutworms

Diseases

Fungal Diseases
Bacterial Wilt
Root Rot

To prevent these issues, plant Dahlia Megan Dean in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Keep the plant well-spaced to promote air circulation, and remove any infected plant material immediately.

Habitat

Dahlia Megan Dean is a hybrid variety that was created in the United States. It thrives in warm and sunny climates with well-draining soil. The plant is commonly grown in home gardens and used as cut flowers due to their striking appearance.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Dahlia Megan Dean be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Dahlia Megan Dean can be grown in containers. Use a large container with well-draining soil, and make sure to water the plant regularly.

Q: How often should Dahlia Megan Dean be fertilized?

A: Dahlia Megan Dean should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing once the blooming season is over.

Q: Is Dahlia Megan Dean deer-resistant?

A: No, Dahlia Megan Dean is not deer-resistant. If deer are a problem in your area, protect the plants with a physical barrier or use deer repellent.

Q: Can Dahlia Megan Dean be propagated by cuttings?

A: Yes, Dahlia Megan Dean can be propagated by stem cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy stem, and place it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and out of direct sunlight until the cutting roots.

Related Plants

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’
Dahlia ‘David Howard’
Dahlia ‘Moonfire’
Dahlia ‘Pink Giraffe’

References

RHS Plants. (n.d.). Dahlia ‘Megan Dean’ (PBR) dahlia [Online]. Available at https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/91860/Dahlia-Megan-Dean-(PBR)/Details
Walters Gardens Inc. (n.d.). Dahlia ‘Megan Dean’ [Online]. Available at https://www.waltersgardens.com/plant/2017
University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. (2020). Growing Dahlias in Wisconsin [Online]. Available at https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/growing-dahlias-in-wisconsin/