Dahlia ‘Wizard of Oz’

Dahlia ‘Wizard of Oz’ is a charming dahlia variety offering a delightful blend of whimsical color, compact form, and manageable growth. Its adaptability and attractive appearance make it a highly desirable choice for gardeners and floral enthusiasts. Whether used to add a splash of color to a garden, as a standout in floral arrangements, or as a cheerful addition to a small space, ‘Wizard of Oz’ brings joy and beauty wherever it grows. This dahlia is featured in our top 40 must-see dahlia flowers.

Dahlia ‘Wizard of Oz’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Wizard of Oz’ is a delightful variety in the ball dahlia group, known for its charming and neatly formed spherical blooms. This variety captivates with its soft pink flowers, exuding a sense of whimsy and elegance. The compact, perfectly rounded blooms are a defining characteristic of Pompon Dahlias.

Native: Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America. This cultivar results from extensive breeding and does not occur naturally in the wild.

Plant Type and Habit: This dahlia is a tuberous-rooted perennial with a bushy, upright growth habit. This variety is appreciated for its moderate growth rate and ease of care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of various skill levels.

Size: It generally reaches about 32 inches in height (80 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions.

Flowers: The blooms of ‘Wizard of Oz’ are the main attraction. They are small to medium-sized, typically about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) in diameter. The petals are a delicate pink, densely packed into a tight, globular shape, giving the flowers a neat and polished appearance. The soft pink hue adds a touch of gentle charm to the garden.

Bloom Time: Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost it provides long-lasting color in the garden.

Foliage: The foliage is a lush green, providing a fresh and vibrant backdrop for its colorful blooms. The leaves are compound and arranged symmetrically along the stems, contributing to the plant’s overall healthy and full appearance.

Uses: ‘Wizard of Oz’ is a versatile and charming addition to any garden. Its petite, pink pompon blooms make it ideal for cutting gardens and enchanting in floral arrangements. In landscaping, it serves as a delightful accent in borders, beds, or container gardens. Its compact size and appealing look also make it a great choice for urban gardens or patios.

Hardiness: Dahlias are hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder zones, tubers need to be lifted and stored over winter.

Toxicity: Dahlias are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Their ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other health issues in pets and livestock.

Wildlife: While visually stunning, the complex petal structure of this dahlia makes it more difficult for pollinators to access the nectar and pollen. It is less effective in attracting pollinators than single-flowered or open-centered dahlia types.

Deer and Rabbit: Dahlias are somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits but may still be vulnerable to browsing.

Invasiveness: Not invasive; dahlias grow from tubers and do not spread aggressively.

Dahlia Growing Tips

Light: Dahlias love the sun, so choose a location with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil: Dahlias prefer well-drained, loamy soil. They don’t tolerate water-logged conditions, so if your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

Planting Time: Dahlias are usually planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Planting Depth: Dahlia tubers should be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, with the “eye” (the small bump from where the stem will grow) facing upward.

Watering: Dahlias like consistent moisture. Water them deeply a couple of times a week, more often if your area is experiencing a drought. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing: Dahlias respond well to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush, leafy growth and fewer flowers.

Deadheading: Regularly removing the spent flowers (deadheading) will keep your dahlias producing more blooms.

Overwintering: In colder climates (zones 7 and below), you’ll need to dig up and store the tubers indoors over the winter.

Pests and Diseases: Dahlias are generally relatively disease and pest-resistant, but there are a few common issues to watch out such as aphids, botrytis blight, earwigs, powdery mildew, slugs and snails, spider mites, and thrips.