Cafe au Lait Dahlia Dahlia 'Café au Lait' (D)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Café au Lait' is well known for its large and stunning blooms that can captivate any onlooker with their subtle elegance and shades. These flowers are particularly renowned for their sizeable, creamy blooms that often exhibit a remarkable blend of light pink, peach, and lavender hues. The petals are soft and inviting, arranged in a sophisticated, loose spiral pattern that forms a gently ruffled, almost peony-like appearance. Each flower is unique, with some expressing more of a blush pink while others may lean towards a warmer, latte color, alluding to the "café au lait" in its name, which means "coffee with milk" in French. The lush, green foliage of the plant creates a beautiful contrast with the delicately colored flowers, allowing them to truly stand out. The leaves are sizeable and provide a sturdy backdrop to the showy blooms. When in full bloom, this variety of Dahlia makes a spectacular show, often being the centerpiece in gardens or serving as the star of floral arrangements. Its stems are sturdy enough to support the weighty flowers, which is beneficial as these blooms are popular among florists and gardeners alike for their beauty and versatility. The visual appeal of Dahlia 'Café au Lait' is undeniable, making it a coveted choice for both ornamental and practical purposes such as cut flower displays. Overall, the plant possesses an aura of romance and sophistication that can enhance the aesthetics of any space it occupies.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Café au Lait Dahlia, Giant Dinner Plate Dahlia, Decorative Dahlia.
Common names
Dahlia 'Café au Lait'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the variety 'Café au Lait,' are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that ingestion of dahlia parts causes serious health problems in humans. However, as with many plants, some individuals may experience mild stomach upset or allergic reactions if they are sensitive to dahlias and consume plant parts. It's always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to the potential for individual sensitivities or unintended consequences.
To pets
Dahlias, such as the 'Café au Lait' variety, are also generally non-toxic to pets. They are not known to possess any toxic principles that would cause serious harm if pets ingest them. However, as with humans, individual pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction if they are sensitive and consume dahlias. It's best to prevent pets from ingesting non-food plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Creamy
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlias are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are important for pollination in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Café au Lait' Dahlia offers lush, large creamy flowers that add beauty and sophistication to any garden space or floral arrangement.
- Variety of Uses: These flowers are versatile and can be used in beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers, making them suitable for a range of landscaping designs.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias typically bloom from midsummer until the first frost, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: With proper care, Dahlias are relatively easy to cultivate, making them a good choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Rewarding for Growers: The process of growing and caring for Dahlias can be very rewarding due to their stunning blooms and the ability to produce a high yield of flowers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia tubers can be used in cooking similarly to root vegetables; 'Café au Lait' tubers can be roasted or boiled and eaten once properly cleaned and cooked.
- Their large and flat blooms are perfect as natural palettes for flower painters to practice their art or to teach students about petal anatomy and color blending.
- Dahlias can be used in dye-making, where the petals provide a range of subtle colors for natural dyes on fabric and yarns.
- Thick dahlia stems can be utilized in crafts for creating natural wreaths or as organic components in handmade paper production.
- The spent blooms of dahlia can serve as mulch after they decompose, contributing nutrients back into the garden soil.
- 'Café au Lait' dahlias can be used in photography as a subject for testing different lighting conditions, given their complex structure and reflective petal surfaces.
- Dahlia flowers can be placed in bowls of water to create floating centerpieces for events or as a calming natural decor in homes.
- 'Café au Lait' petals can be pressed and preserved in glass frames or used in resin art to create decorative pieces and jewelry.
- The hollow stem of dahlias can be used in children’s education for simple science experiments, such as capillary action demonstrations.
- The sturdy nature of dahlia stems allows them to be used as natural supports for other plants in the garden, providing a temporary trellis effect.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: The Dahlia 'Café au Lait', with its sophisticated creamy color and intricate petals, often symbolizes elegance and a sense of grace.
- Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are known to represent a lasting bond and commitment between two people, often used in floral arrangements for weddings.
- Change and Variety: The Dahlia comes in many colors and forms, making it representative of diversity and change.
- Inner Strength: Despite their delicate appearance, Dahlias are flowers that stand strong and resilient, symbolizing personal fortitude.
- Creative Spirit: With its lush, intricate blooms, the Dahlia is often used to represent creativity and the inspiration that comes from beautiful forms.
WaterFor the Dahlia 'Café au Lait', or commonly known as Dinner Plate Dahlias due to their size, watering should be thorough, allowing the water to reach deep into the soil to encourage deep root growth. Water these dahlias with about 1-2 inches of water per week, taking care not to overwater as they dislike soggy soil. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and aid in preventing disease. During hot spells or drought, you may need to water them more frequently, especially if you notice the leaves drooping.
LightDinner Plate Dahlias thrive in a location that receives full sun, which means they should get at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Place them in a spot that's sheltered from strong winds but gets plenty of direct light. Avoid overly shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to weak stems and fewer blooms.
TemperatureDinner Plate Dahlias prefer warm conditions and grow best when temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost is harmful. Typically, they should not be planted outside until all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Dinner Plate Dahlias to encourage bushier plants, more blooms, and to maintain plant health. Deadhead by removing spent flower heads to stimulate further blooming throughout the season. Cut back the plants in the fall after the first frost has blackened the foliage, which is typically the best time for pruning.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCafé au Lait Dahlias thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix includes two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Regularly add compost to nourish the plants.
RepottingCafé au Lait Dahlias are typically grown as annuals and don't require repotting. Instead, tubers should be lifted and stored during winter, then replanted after the last frost in spring.
Humidity & MistingCafé au Lait Dahlias do well in average outdoor humidity levels. They are not particularly humidity-sensitive, so usual outdoor conditions suffice when grown in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, fertile soil, space well.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA.
Life cycleDahlia 'Café au Lait' starts its life cycle when the tuberous roots are planted in well-drained soil, often in spring after the threat of frost has passed. The tubers sprout shoots that grow into sturdy stems with lush green foliage. Throughout the summer, the plants produce large, creamy blossoms that are especially popular for their unique color that blends hues of peach, pink, and beige. Following their peak blooming period in mid-summer to early fall, the flowers eventually fade, and the plant prepares for dormancy as the weather cools. Gardeners typically cut back the foliage after the first frost and may either lift the tubers to store them dry and cool over winter or insulate them in ground in mild climates. With the arrival of the next spring, the cycle begins anew, and tubers are replanted or awaken in the soil to repeat the growth and blooming process.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Dahlia 'Café au Lait' is through division of the tubers, typically done in the springtime just before the new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of tubers from the ground after the foliage has been killed by frost in the fall, or in areas without frost, when the plant naturally begins to die back. Clean the tubers and store them over the winter in a cool, dry place at around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 to 10 degrees Celsius). Before planting in the spring, divide the clump, ensuring each section has at least one eye or growing point. Cut the tubers with a sharp, clean knife, dust the cuts with fungicide to prevent rot, and then allow them to dry for a day before planting. Plant the divided tubers about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil. This method allows the Dahlia 'Café au Lait' to maintain its distinctive characteristics and ensures a strong, healthy growth for the next blooming season.
