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Description
Dahlia My Love is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Mexico and Central America, but it is now widely cultivated all over the world for its stunning flowers. The plant blooms in late summer and fall, and its flowers can range in color from white, pink, and yellow to orange, red, and purple. Dahlia My Love has a long vase life and is a favorite of florists and gardeners alike.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dahlia |
Appearance
Dahlia My Love can grow up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The plant has green leaves that are deeply lobed and serrated. The flowers are large and showy, with multiple layers of petals that form a ball or pom-pom shape. The flowers can be up to 6 inches in diameter and come in a variety of colors. The plant’s tubers are brown and can be up to 6 inches long.
Care Guide
Dahlia My Love requires regular care to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Dahlia My Love likes moist soil but does not tolerate standing water.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Dahlia My Love prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or manure to the soil before planting.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun for at least 6 hours a day to bloom properly.
- Hardiness Zones: Dahlia My Love can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dahlia My Love is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Aphids: These pests suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control them.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control it.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogged soil and can cause the plant to wilt and die. Improve drainage to prevent it.
Habitat
Dahlia My Love is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in open fields and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dahlia My Love grow in containers?
A: Yes, Dahlia My Love can grow in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should I fertilize Dahlia My Love?
A: Fertilize Dahlia My Love every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Dahlia My Love tolerate frost?
A: No, Dahlia My Love is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: How do I propagate Dahlia My Love?
A: Dahlia My Love can be propagated by dividing the tubers in the fall after the plant has died back.
Related Plants
- Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
- Dahlia ‘Crimson Pirate’
- Dahlia ‘David Howard’
- Dahlia ‘Kelvin Floodlight’
References
- “Dahlia My Love.” National Garden Bureau, www.ngb.org/year-of-dahlia-my-love/.
- “Dahlia My Love.” Floret Flowers, 17 Nov. 2017, www.floretflowers.com/flower/dahlia-my-love/.
- “Dahlia My Love.” Gardenia.net, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/dahlia-my-love.
