Contents
Description
Dahlia Mrs Eileen is a decorative and eye-catching plant found in many gardens. This plant is a hybrid variety of dahlia, which is a genus of bushy, tuberous, and perennial plants. Dahlia Mrs Eileen is known for its unique flowers, which are large and double-petaled. The flowers come in a stunning shade of bright pink, with a hint of peach undertones. The bloom size can range from 4-6 inches in diameter, making it a perfect choice for cut flowers. Dahlia Mrs Eileen is a showstopper in any garden, and it blooms from early summer until the first frost.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
Dahlia Mrs Eileen has a bushy and compact growth habit, with a height of around 30-36 inches. The stems are sturdy, and the leaves are green and glossy, with a serrated edge. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant, with their double petals in a bright pink hue. The petals are slightly curved, giving the flower a three-dimensional look. Dahlia Mrs Eileen has a long blooming season, and the flowers are suitable for cutting and arranging in bouquets.
Care Guide
Dahlia Mrs Eileen is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. Here are some care tips to ensure the best growth and health of this plant:
Water: Dahlia Mrs Eileen needs regular watering, especially during the hot and dry months. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. This will promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Soil: Dahlia Mrs Eileen prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting.
Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ensure that it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Dahlia Mrs Eileen is hardy in zones 8-10. In colder zones, it needs to be dug up and stored indoors during the winter months.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dahlia Mrs Eileen is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
Slugs and Snails: These pests can chew on the leaves and flowers of Dahlia Mrs Eileen, causing damage. Use slug and snail bait to control them.
Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
Fungal Diseases: Dahlia Mrs Eileen can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis. Ensure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent these diseases.
Habitat
Dahlia Mrs Eileen is a hybrid variety of dahlia, which is native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. This plant thrives in warm and sunny climates and is commonly found in gardens, borders, and containers. It grows well in well-drained soil and requires regular watering and fertilization to maintain its health.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dahlia Mrs Eileen be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Dahlia Mrs Eileen can be grown in containers. Ensure that the container is at least 12 inches in diameter and has drainage holes.
Q: Does Dahlia Mrs Eileen need pruning?
A: Yes, Dahlia Mrs Eileen needs pruning to promote bushy growth and abundant flowering. Pinch off the tips of the stems when they are around 6 inches long.
Q: Can Dahlia Mrs Eileen be grown from seeds?
A: Dahlia Mrs Eileen is a hybrid variety, so it cannot be grown from seeds. It needs to be propagated through tubers or cuttings.
Q: How often should Dahlia Mrs Eileen be fertilized?
A: Dahlia Mrs Eileen needs to be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dahlia Mrs Eileen:
- Dahlia Arabian Night
- Dahlia Bishop of Llandaff
- Dahlia Cafe Au Lait
- Dahlia Firepot
- Dahlia Karma Choc
References
- “Dahlia Mrs Eileen.” National Garden Bureau. Accessed on 13 April 2021. https://ngb.org/year-of/dahlia-mrs-eileen/
- “Dahlia.” Wikipedia. Accessed on 13 April 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahlia
- “Dahlia Mrs Eileen.” Longfield Gardens. Accessed on 13 April 2021. https://www.longfield-gardens.com/plantname/Dahlia-Mrs-Eileen
