The ‘Blue Wish’ dahlia captivates gardeners with its unique coloration, setting it apart in the diverse dahlia family. This variety is cherished for its striking blooms, which introduce a distinctive hue to garden landscapes. Its visual appeal makes it a sought-after plant for adding an unusual and beautiful element to outdoor spaces. The ‘Blue Wish’ dahlia creates a focal point, drawing the eye with its vibrant presence.
Characteristics of Blue Wish Dahlia
The ‘Blue Wish’ dahlia is known for its captivating color, a soft, almost lavender-blue, which is a rare shade among dahlias. While true blue is not naturally occurring, ‘Blue Wish’ achieves a close approximation, often appearing as a cool violet-blue under varying light conditions. Blooms typically measure 6 to 8 inches across, showcasing a substantial presence. Its flower form is classified as formal or informal decorative, characterized by numerous flat or slightly recurved petals that create a full, rounded appearance. This dahlia blooms from mid-summer until the first hard frost.
Planting and Growing Blue Wish Dahlia
Successful cultivation of ‘Blue Wish’ dahlias begins with careful site selection, prioritizing an area that receives ample sunlight. These plants thrive with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, promoting robust growth and abundant flowering. The soil composition is equally important, requiring a well-draining medium rich in organic matter. Amending the planting area with compost or well-rotted manure improves soil structure and provides essential nutrients, ideally aiming for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Planting should occur after all danger of frost has passed in spring, when soil temperatures consistently reach around 60°F (15°C). Position the dahlia tuber horizontally in the prepared hole, ensuring the “eye” or sprout faces upwards, approximately 4 to 6 inches deep. Space tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for adequate air circulation and plant development. After planting, provide a light initial watering. Avoid overwatering until sprouts emerge, as excessive moisture can lead to tuber rot, which can hinder healthy root establishment.
Ongoing Care for Blue Wish Dahlia
Once ‘Blue Wish’ dahlias are established and actively growing, consistent moisture is important, especially during prolonged dry periods and peak blooming times. Deep watering two to three times a week, rather than frequent shallow watering, encourages deeper root growth and enhances drought tolerance. Fertilization supports continuous flowering; apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer every three to four weeks after the plant reaches about one foot in height. Avoiding high-nitrogen formulations prevents excessive foliage growth at the expense of bloom production.
As ‘Blue Wish’ dahlias can grow quite tall, often reaching 3 to 4 feet in height, providing structural support is necessary to prevent stems from breaking. Install sturdy stakes at planting time or shortly after sprouts emerge, gently securing the growing stems as they lengthen. Regular deadheading, which involves removing spent or faded blooms, redirects the plant’s energy towards producing new flowers rather than setting seeds. Monitoring for common dahlia pests like aphids and spider mites, along with ensuring good air circulation to deter fungal diseases, helps maintain plant health throughout the growing season.
Winter Care and Storage
For gardeners in colder climates where ground freezes, ‘Blue Wish’ dahlia tubers require lifting and storing for winter survival. This process should commence after the first hard frost has blackened the foliage. Cut the dahlia stems back to 4 to 6 inches above the ground before carefully digging around the plant, approximately one foot from the stem, to avoid damaging the delicate tubers. Gently lift the entire clump from the soil, shaking off any excess dirt.
After lifting, clean the tubers by gently brushing off remaining soil. Allow the tubers to cure in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for one to three weeks until the skin toughens. Once cured, pack the tubers in cardboard boxes or plastic bins, layering them with a dry medium like peat moss, wood shavings, or vermiculite to maintain humidity and prevent desiccation. Store the packed tubers in a dark location where temperatures remain consistently between 40-50°F (4-10°C), checking periodically throughout winter for any signs of rot or shriveling.