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.
Soft pink pompom flowers come one after the other, after the other—with many all at once! Blooms start appearing in mid-summer and continue until the onset of frosty weather. Each Dahlia 'Wizard of Oz' bloom is made up of layers of silky, inwardly-curved petals, forming a near-perfect sphere. Sturdy stems provide excellent support, and provide this dahlia with its iconic bobbing habit in the breeze. These blooms are accompanied by, and set just above, the lush green foliage. Even better, the flowers last well after they have been cut, and look great in a vase!
The delicate colouring of pompon Dahlia 'Wizard of Oz' makes it easy to mix with other plants—and particularly other dahlias – and it looks especially good with flowers of other pastel shades, as well as white and green. Try them also with stronger pink and purple tones.
Dahlias are easy to grow and simply require well-drained soil and a sunny position. However, for optimum results, it is a good idea to dig in some well-rotted manure or compost prior to planting, and topping off with general purpose fertiliser after planting.
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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 Oz'
- Flower colour
- Pink
- 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
Dahlia 'Wizard of Oz' reviews
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