Dahlia Dinnerplate 'Cafe au Lait'

Dahlia Dinnerplate 'Cafe au Lait' is an extraordinary variety that stands out for its large, showy blooms and soft, creamy color palette. Its warm, neutral tones and impressive size make it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to create a stunning focal point or for florists seeking the perfect cut flower. With proper care, including plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular maintenance, this dahlia will reward you with an abundance of breathtaking flowers throughout the growing season. Whether used in gardens, borders, or floral arrangements, 'Cafe au Lait' is sure to impress.

Zones: 3 - 11

• Type: Dinnerplate Dahlia
• Flower Shape: The flowers of Dahlia 'Cafe au Lait' are large and round with a characteristic "dinnerplate" form. The petals are wide, flat, and layered in a perfect circular arrangement, giving the blooms a full, slightly rounded appearance. The flowers are known for their voluminous, soft, and delicate texture, with numerous petals that create a fluffy, elegant shape.
• Bloom Color: The most distinguishing feature of 'Cafe au Lait' is its soft, neutral color. The petals often start as a creamy, light beige or soft taupe with subtle hints of pale pink, peach, or apricot, especially towards the center of the flower. Over time, the blooms can take on a slightly deeper blush, giving them a sophisticated and vintage feel. This neutral, warm color makes them incredibly versatile for various garden designs and floral arrangements.
• Flower Size: As a dinnerplate dahlia, the flowers of 'Cafe au Lait' are impressively large, often reaching 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) in diameter. The sheer size of the blooms adds a dramatic touch to any garden or bouquet.
• Petal Texture: The petals are soft to the touch, with a slightly waxy texture that helps them maintain their form and vibrancy. They have a delicate, almost silky appearance, contributing to the overall graceful look of the flowers.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: Dahlia 'Cafe au Lait' is a tall variety, typically growing between 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) in height. This makes it suitable for planting in garden beds, borders, or large containers.
• Spread: The plant typically has a moderate spread of about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), which gives it a bushy, full appearance.
• Foliage: The foliage is dark green, with broad, pointed leaves that are slightly glossy. The rich green color of the leaves provides a beautiful backdrop to the soft, neutral tones of the flowers, making them even more striking.
• Growth Habit: The plant has an upright, strong growth habit, and its sturdy stems can support the large blooms. However, due to the size and weight of the flowers, staking or providing support is often necessary to prevent the stems from bending or breaking, especially in windy conditions.

Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight: Like most dahlias, 'Cafe au Lait' thrives in full sun. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce the best blooms and grow vigorously. Adequate sunlight is critical for flower production and helps the plant achieve its full potential.
• Soil: 'Cafe au Lait' prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 6.5) is ideal. The addition of compost or well-rotted manure helps improve soil fertility and texture, providing the plant with the nutrients it needs.
• Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot, as dahlias do not like standing water around their roots.
• Hardiness Zone: Dahlia 'Cafe au Lait' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10. In colder regions, the tubers can be dug up before the first frost and stored over the winter, then replanted in the spring.

Blooming Period:

• Flowering Time: This variety blooms from mid to late summer (typically starting in July) and continues into the fall, often lasting until the first frost. The long blooming period ensures that it provides vibrant color for much of the growing season.
• Pollinators: The large, showy flowers attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a beneficial plant for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Care and Maintenance:

• Deadheading: Regular deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms and helps keep the plant looking tidy. It also prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production.
• Fertilization: A balanced fertilizer applied in early spring supports healthy growth. Once the plant starts flowering, a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium will encourage strong, large blooms. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excess leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pest and Disease Control: While generally resistant to pests, dahlias can occasionally attract aphids, slugs, and snails. Regular monitoring for pests and using organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, can help. Additionally, good air circulation around the plant reduces the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
• Staking: Due to the large size of the blooms, staking is often necessary to keep the stems upright and prevent the flowers from drooping or breaking under their own weight. Staking also helps ensure the plant maintains an attractive shape and does not get damaged by strong winds.

Uses:

• Garden Beds: Dahlia 'Cafe au Lait' makes an outstanding addition to garden beds, where its soft, neutral blooms contrast beautifully with other plants. Its tall, upright form allows it to serve as a focal point or background plant in mixed borders.
• Cut Flowers: One of the primary reasons 'Cafe au Lait' is so popular is its outstanding quality as a cut flower. The large blooms have a long vase life, often lasting up to a week or more in floral arrangements. Their elegant, soft tones make them highly sought after for weddings and other special occasions.
• Landscaping: The soft color palette and large flowers make this dahlia a versatile choice for landscaping. It works well in both formal and informal garden designs, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.