Dahlias are half hardy, so keep them protected from frost. Pot tubers individually between February and April and grow them on in a greenhouse or bright indoor position. Alternatively, start them outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
Out of season
New
Dahlia
'Wizard of Lightning'
Despite its rather electrifying name, Dahlia 'Wizard of Lightning' has a wonderfully gentle personality. Its rounded flowers unfold in the softest shades of blush salmon pink and pale lilac, with creamy white tips that give each bloom a delicate, almost porcelain-like appearance. The petals curl neatly inwards, forming layer upon layer of little cups around a softly coloured centre. Each flower measures around 8cm across, creating a beautifully balanced ball shape that's particularly appealing up close. Against fresh green foliage, those subtle pastel shades seem to glow in the late-afternoon light. Dahlia 'Wizard of Lightning' is also a generous flowerer, producing a lovely succession of blooms throughout summer and into autumn.
For a dreamy summer combination, plant Dahlia 'Wizard of Lightning' alongside lavender-blue salvias, white cosmos and deeper pink dahlias. Its beautifully rounded flowers are especially useful for cutting, bringing softness and texture to bouquets without overwhelming their companions. Growing to around 80–100cm, Dahlia 'Wizard of Lightning' enjoys a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil and regular watering during dry spells. Give the stems a little support if needed, particularly when the plant is carrying plenty of flowers. Regular cutting and deadheading will encourage a continuous supply of fresh blooms. Whether arranged in a favourite vase or gathered in a generous border, Dahlia 'Wizard of Lightning' proves that a little magic can be wonderfully understated.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
For planting out later, use a snug-fitting 15–20cm pot filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. For a patio display, plant directly into a container at least 30cm wide and keep it somewhere bright and frost free until it can move outdoors.
Position the old stem facing upwards, with the tubers covered and the stem stump level with the compost. Tubers naturally vary in size and shape and may arrive without visible buds. Bent necks are usually fine if they remain firmly attached, so do not remove them.
Water after planting, then allow the compost to become almost dry before watering again while the tuber remains dormant. Once shoots and leaves are growing strongly, water more regularly, always allowing excess water to drain away.
Plant out after the last frost, once the plant is around 20–30cm tall and its roots hold the compost together. Space dahlias approximately 30–50cm apart in borders, allowing less room for compact varieties. Water thoroughly after planting.
Water regularly during active growth and deadhead or cut flowers often. Dahlias usually bloom from July or August until the first frost, although later-planted tubers may start in late August or September. In autumn, lift, clean and dry the tubers, then store them somewhere cool, dry, airy and frost free.
- Botanical name
- Dahlia 'Wizard of Lightning'
- Flower colour
- White, cream, salmon
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
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