Dahlia 'Wizard of Oz'
ball dahlia
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: half hardy (may need winter protection)
Soft pink, pom-pom shaped flowers appear in profusion above the lush green foliage from midsummer to the onset of the frosty weather. Their colouring makes them easy to mix and they look particularly effective with other pastel shades - or for a bit of added oomph, blend in some strong pink tones. The flowers last well after being cut and look exceptionally pretty in the vase. - Garden care: Dahlia tubers can be planted outside after frost, or started off in pots under glass in late winter to early spring. Plant them horizontally approximately 12cm deep, making sure the ‘eyes’ are uppermost. Allow enough room between each tuber so the plants can grow and spread to their full size without being overcrowded. While in growth, provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September. Stake with canes or brushwood if it becomes necessary. In mild areas, leave them in situ over winter, but protect the crown with a generous layer of dry mulch. In colder areas, carefully lift and clean the tubers once the first frosts have blackened the foliage and allow them to dry naturally indoors. Then place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite and store in a frost-free place until planting out again.
- Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
Goes well with...
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Terracotta bulb bowl
medium Ø41 × H19cm
-
Agastache 'Blue Fortune'
Mexican giant hyssop
2 litre pot
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Vinca minor 'Bowles's Variety'
lesser periwinkle ( syn. La Grave )
2 litre pot
-
Campanula lactiflora 'Prichard's Variety'
milky bellflower ( syn. Campanula Pritchard's Variety )
9cm pot
-
Bulb planting auger - long
small
-
Perennial/bulb planter with support
looped
-
Glass cloches - set of 3
Ø12.5 × H20.5cm
-
Large wire cloches Crocus green - set of 3
Ø31.5 × H28.5cm
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Dahlia circular plant support - rust
Ø41 × H81cm
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Terracotta perennial bell pot
Ø47 × H44cm
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Terracotta citrus pot
Ø50 × H45cm
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Bulb planting auger - short
medium