Merck's dahlia
dahlia merckii
Also known as: ["Merck's dahlia"]
Overview
A species of dahlia known for its delicate, fern-like foliage and small, pale flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Dahlia |
| Botanical Name: | Dahlia merckii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent tuber rot.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with added organic matter and sand for drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead weekly during flowering; major pruning in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; heavy pruning only after flowering or before winter storage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring/summer; partial shade in intense summer heat to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; provide dappled light during peak summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage disease; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging; enrich with well-rotted manure.
Temperature
60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerate cooler nights but avoid prolonged frost.
Protect from frost; shield from intense summer sun; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth, monthly in spring and fall
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to encourage blooms over foliage.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of tubers in spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring when new growth emerges; late summer for stem cuttings.
Environment
Warm (65–70°F), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light for rooting.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or vermiculite for tuber division.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Stem cuttings root in 3–4 weeks; tubers establish in 4–6 weeks with proper care.
Tools Needed
Sharp pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, heating mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch tips for bushiness; cut stems just above a leaf node; remove yellow or damaged leaves.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy stems for bushier growth; cut back hard in fall after frost.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or diseased parts; make clean cuts; dispose of clippings away from plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins; after winter storage for potted plants.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure depth for tuber expansion.
Method
Lift tubers carefully; trim dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with eyes facing up.
Suggestions
Repot tubers every 2–3 years or when crowded; divide clumps to rejuvenate growth.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage holes; position tubers correctly; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water early morning; ensure drainage; adjust frequency with weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in hot, dry periods; reduce watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add compost for fertility; mix sand or perlite for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, weakens stems, and may cause leaf drop or frost damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; move potted dahlias indoors before frost; cover with frost cloth in light freezes.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dehydration.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; fertilize during active growth only.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 3–4 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDahlia merckii is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse physiological effects associated with ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicDahlia merckii is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse physiological effects associated with ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicDahlia merckii is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known adverse physiological effects associated with ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Dahlia merckii be watered?
A: Water moderately, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods.
Q: Does Dahlia merckii attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its flowers.
Q: Is Dahlia merckii toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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