Dahlias captivate gardeners with their diverse forms and vibrant hues. Some varieties are celebrated for their exceptional beauty and garden performance, becoming personal favorites cherished for their distinct characteristics and reliable display.
Unveiling Isa’s Favorite Dahlia
Isa’s favorite dahlia is ‘Café au Lait’, a highly sought-after variety celebrated for its distinctive coloration and impressive size. Classified as a decorative type, it is known for its broad, flat petals that create a full, rounded bloom. ‘Café au Lait’ has gained immense popularity among florists and home gardeners, often featured prominently in wedding arrangements and high-end bouquets.
Distinctive Features
The ‘Café au Lait’ dahlia produces blooms 6 to 10 inches in diameter, making them a focal point in any garden. Its petals display a blend of creamy ivory, blush pink, and soft peach tones, which can shift in intensity depending on light and temperature. The plants reach a height of 3 to 4 feet, with a spread of about 2 feet. ‘Café au Lait’ blooms from mid-summer until the first hard frost.
Cultivation Guide
Cultivation of ‘Café au Lait’ dahlias begins with selecting a site that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. These plants thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, as soggy conditions can lead to tuber rot. When planting, position the tuber with the “eye” or sprout facing upwards, about 4 to 6 inches deep, ensuring spacing of 18 to 24 inches between each plant for proper air circulation. Consistent moisture is important, so water deeply two to three times a week, especially during dry periods, avoiding overhead watering which can encourage fungal diseases.
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 formulation, every three to four weeks once the plant is established and producing buds. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth over flower production. Provide support with stakes or cages early in the season to prevent tall stems from flopping under the weight of large blooms. Regular deadheading of spent flowers encourages more blooms throughout the season.
Winter Care and Storage
In regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing, ‘Café au Lait’ dahlia tubers must be lifted from the ground before the first hard frost. After the foliage has been blackened by frost, carefully dig up the clumps, taking care not to damage the tubers. Gently remove excess soil and allow the tubers to air dry in a protected, well-ventilated area for a few days until the skin feels firm and dry. Store the dried tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free location, ideally between 40-50°F (4-10°C), nestled in a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings to prevent desiccation.
Why It Charms Gardeners
‘Café au Lait’ dahlias are popular for their mutable coloration and large bloom size. Their creamy blooms are suitable for cutting and creating floral arrangements. The dahlia’s robust growth and continuous summer flowering make it a reliable plant to cultivate. Its unique appearance and consistent performance contribute to its appeal among garden enthusiasts.