Dahlia Ball 'Wizard of Oz'

Dahlia 'Wizard of Oz' is a visually stunning and unique variety of dahlia, renowned for its vibrant pink, ball-shaped blooms and exceptional color contrast. As part of the ball dahlia category, it features rounded flowers with tightly packed petals, making it a standout in gardens and floral arrangements. Here's a detailed description of this beautiful dahlia:

Zones: 3 - 11

General Characteristics:

• Flower Type: Ball-shaped dahlia
• Bloom Size: The blooms of Wizard of Oz are medium to large, typically 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) in diameter.
• Flower Form: The flower form is spherical and full, with tightly packed, rounded petals that curl inward, characteristic of ball dahlias. This gives the flowers a dense, almost pom-pom appearance, which adds a lot of texture and volume to any display.

Petal Color and Pattern:

• Main Color: Wizard of Oz features an incredibly striking two-tone color pattern. The petals are primarily a rich, vibrant yellow at the base, which transitions into a pink shade at the tips. This color combination gives the flowers an eye-catching, fiery appearance, with the gradient creating a bold and dramatic effect.
• Pattern: The blend of yellow and red-orange hues in each flower is often very pronounced, with the tips of the petals taking on a deep, almost coppery red. This creates a warm and radiant bloom that captures attention, especially in gardens with complementary plants.
• Color Transition: The smooth, almost gradient-like transition from yellow to red-orange adds depth to the flowers, making them appear dynamic and ever-changing under different lighting conditions.

Foliage:

• Leaves: The foliage of Wizard of Oz is dark green, offering a stark contrast against the bright, fiery blooms. The leaves are long, narrow, and slightly serrated, with an overall lush appearance that helps to frame the striking flowers.
• Plant Structure: The plant itself is compact, bushy, and dense, with plenty of branching. This allows for multiple flowers to bloom at once, creating a colorful and full appearance in the garden.

Growth Habit:

• Height: Wizard of Oz is a relatively tall dahlia, growing to about 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) in height. This makes it a good candidate for the middle to back of garden beds, where it can be showcased without overwhelming smaller plants.
• Spread: The plant has a moderate spread, with a bushy, branching habit that supports its abundant blooms.
• Stem: The stems of Wizard of Oz are sturdy enough to support the large flowers, though staking might be required in very windy areas or with taller plants to prevent flopping.

Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight: Dahlias, including Wizard of Oz, thrive in full sun. They require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow strong and produce the best blooms.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is key to growing dahlias. Wizard of Oz prefers soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). Adding organic matter like compost will help enrich the soil and improve drainage.
• Watering: Dahlias need consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Water the plants regularly, but avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Well-drained soil is essential to prevent excess moisture from collecting around the roots.

Flowering Season:

• Bloom Time: Wizard of Oz produces blooms from mid-summer until the first frost, typically starting in July and continuing through the fall. This makes it an excellent late-season bloomer that adds vibrant color when many other plants are starting to fade.
• Flowering Duration: The flowers will continue to bloom over several weeks, especially if deadheaded regularly. Deadheading spent blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers and helps maintain a tidy, attractive appearance.

Unique Features:

• Vibrant Color Contrast: The most unique and striking feature of Wizard of Oz is its bold two-tone coloration. The contrast between the yellow and red-orange tips of the petals creates a fiery and warm effect that makes the flowers stand out in any setting. This color pattern makes it especially appealing in gardens with other warm-toned flowers or as a focal point in mixed borders.
• Cut Flowers: The dramatic and vibrant blooms of Wizard of Oz make it an excellent choice for cutting. The large, rounded flowers hold up well in floral arrangements, and their color pattern adds a dynamic element to bouquets.

Hardiness:

• USDA Hardiness Zones: Wizard of Oz is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10, which means it thrives in regions with mild winters. In colder climates (zones 7 and below), the tubers will need to be dug up and stored indoors over the winter to prevent frost damage.

Planting Instructions

1. Choosing the Right Location

Dahlias require specific growing conditions to thrive, so selecting the right spot is key:

• Sunlight: Dahlias love full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun they get, the better the blooming.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential. Dahlias do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). If your soil is heavy clay or drains poorly, amend it with organic matter (like compost) to improve drainage and fertility.
• Protection from Wind: Although dahlias are relatively tall and sturdy, they can be vulnerable to strong winds. Plant them in a sheltered spot to prevent breakage or damage to the flowers.

2. When to Plant Dahlias

Dahlias are warm-season flowers and should be planted once the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. In most regions, this means planting them in late spring, typically around late April to early May, after the last frost date.

• Soil Temperature: The ideal soil temperature for planting dahlia tubers is around 60°F (15°C). If the soil is too cold, the tubers may rot before they have a chance to sprout.

3. Preparing the Soil

Good soil preparation helps dahlias grow strong and healthy:

• Amend the Soil: Before planting, work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. This adds nutrients and helps with drainage.
• Loosen the Soil: Dahlias have tubers that need to spread out, so make sure the soil is loose, not compacted.
• Add Fertilizer: Mix a slow-release balanced fertilizer or one specifically designed for flowering plants into the soil before planting to give your dahlias a nutrient boost.

4. Planting the Tubers

Once the soil is prepared, it's time to plant your dahlia tubers.

• Spacing: Dahlias should be spaced about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart, depending on the variety. Taller varieties may need more space, while compact varieties can be planted a bit closer together.
• Planting Depth: Dig a hole or trench around 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Place the tuber in the hole with the "eyes" (small, bud-like protrusions) facing upward. If you’re planting multiple tubers, make sure there is enough room for the tubers to spread out as they grow.
• Orientation: If the tuber has a noticeable direction (like a flat side), plant it so that the eyes are facing upward. If unsure, it’s fine to plant the tuber sideways or with the flat side facing down.
• Covering: Gently cover the tuber with soil, and water it well after planting. Avoid burying the tuber too deeply; about 6 inches is ideal. The soil should be loose enough to allow the tuber to sprout easily.

5. Watering and Mulching

• Watering: After planting, water the area thoroughly to settle the soil around the tuber. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, while the tubers are establishing themselves. Once the plants start growing, they need consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Organic mulch like straw, leaves, or grass clippings works well. However, avoid placing mulch directly on the tubers.

6. Staking or Supporting Dahlias

Dahlias can grow tall, especially larger varieties, so they may need support:

• Staking: To prevent the stems from flopping over, you can insert stakes near the plants and tie the stems loosely to the stakes. This is especially important for tall varieties or those with large flowers.
• Cages: Another option is to use a wire cage around the plant to provide support as it grows. This keeps the plant upright and the flowers undamaged by wind or rain.

7. Fertilizing and Care During the Growing Season

Once your dahlias are planted, it’s important to feed and care for them as they grow:

• Fertilizing: After planting, you can give dahlias a light dose of a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming. Later in the growing season, switch to a balanced fertilizer or one that is lower in nitrogen. Over-fertilizing with too much nitrogen can result in lush foliage but fewer flowers.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage new flowers and keep the plant looking tidy.
• Pruning: Prune the stems lightly to encourage branching. If you're growing large varieties, you may want to pinch off the top few buds to encourage bushier growth.

8. Aftercare and Harvesting

• Watering: Ensure that dahlias receive regular watering throughout the growing season, especially when the weather is hot and dry. The soil should stay moist but not waterlogged.
• Cutting Flowers: Dahlias are wonderful cut flowers! If you want to enjoy them indoors, cut them in the early morning or evening when they’re freshest, and place them in water immediately.

9. Overwintering Dahlias (for cold climates)

• Digging Up Tubers: In colder climates (zones 7 and below), you’ll need to dig up dahlia tubers before the first frost hits. Carefully lift the tubers with a spade or fork, being careful not to damage them. Trim the foliage and let the tubers dry for a couple of days in a cool, dry place.
• Storage: After drying, store the tubers in a cool, frost-free location, like a basement or garage, in a box with peat moss, sawdust, or sand to keep them dry. Check on the tubers periodically to make sure they haven’t rotted.