Dahlia merckii, Merck's dahlia, is a tuberous species of perennial flowering plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. This herbaceous plant grows to 2.5 metres (8 feet) in height. It has divided leaves, and in late summer to autumn produces single flowers in shades of lilac, white, and pink.[2]

Dahlia merckii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Dahlia
Species:
D. merckii
Binomial name
Dahlia merckii

Native to Mexico,[3] it is hardy only in milder areas which do not suffer prolonged frosts, where tubers may be left in the ground throughout the year, and protected with a mulch in the dormant season. Otherwise tubers must be lifted and stored over winter. They begin to sprout in spring, but must be protected until all danger of frost has passed. Propagation is by seed or cuttings in spring.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Dahlia merckii". The Global Compositae Checklist (GCC) – via The Plant List. Note that this website has been superseded by World Flora Online
  2. ^ a b "Dahlia merckii". RHS. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  3. ^ "Dahlia merckii". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.