Dahlia Dahlia 'Blue Wish' (WL)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Blue Wish' is a captivating plant with a stunning display of flower blooms. Its petals exhibit an alluring blend of colors that, despite the name 'Blue Wish', are not truly blue but rather have shades of lilac or soft purples with subtle hints of blue tones, creating a whimsical and almost dreamlike appearance. Each bloom is composed of an intricate array of these petals that are lush and layered, often exhibiting a gradient of hues that intermingle beautifully. At the center of the flowers, you might find contrasting touches of yellow, providing a vivid focal point that draws the eye and complements the cooler petal colors. The foliage of Dahlia 'Blue Wish' provides a perfect backdrop to its blooms, with deep green leaves that may have slight serrations along their edges. These leaves are typically glossy, adding vibrancy to the plant's overall appearance. The structure of Dahlia 'Blue Wish' is upright, showcasing its blooms prominently so that they make a strong visual impact. When in bloom, the plant becomes a hub of activity, often attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies which add to the dynamism of its presence in any garden setting. The overall impression of Dahlia 'Blue Wish' is one of romance and enchantment, inviting onlookers to become lost in the mesmerizing depth of its flowers and the delicate sophistication it brings to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Blue Wish Dahlia, Dahlia 'Blue Wish'
Common names
Dahlia 'Blue Wish' (WL)
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the 'Blue Wish' variety, are not considered poisonous to humans. They are not known to contain toxic substances that would lead to poisoning upon ingestion. Therefore, eating dahlias is unlikely to cause more than a stomach upset, if anything at all, due to the fact that they are not a typical food source. Nevertheless, it is always best to be cautious and not consume plants that are not commonly recognized as edible.
To pets
Dahlias, such as the 'Blue Wish' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to pets like dogs and cats. They are not known for containing harmful substances that lead to pet poisoning. This means that if a pet were to ingest part of a dahlia plant, it is unlikely to suffer from significant health issues as a result. However, as with humans, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. It's always advisable to keep an eye on pets after they have ingested any plant material, and consult a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Aesthetics: Adds a vibrant splash of color to gardens with its distinctive blue-toned flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Welcomes bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to various soil types and fairly easy to maintain, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, offering flexibility in garden design and home decor.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides an extended flowering season from midsummer to the first frosts, keeping gardens lively.
- Diverse Forms: Available in various shapes and sizes, allowing for creative garden arrangements and displays.
- Symbolic Meanings: Associated with dignity and elegance, often used to convey personal sentiments in bouquets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Dahlia flowers, with their intricate petals and vibrant colors, are popular subjects for photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of dahlias can be used to add a splash of color as a garnish on salads and desserts.
- Fabric Dye: Dahlia petals of certain colors can be used to naturally dye fabrics, giving them a unique and organic hue.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use dahlias as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other forms of visual art due to their diverse forms and colors.
- Crafting Material: Dried dahlia flowers can be incorporated into crafts, such as handmade paper, potpourri, or as embellishments in scrapbooking and other paper crafts.
- Educational Resource: Schools and educational programs can use dahlias as a plant biology teaching tool to discuss topics like plant structure, reproduction, and hybridization.
- Horticultural Training: Dahlia cultivation can be used in horticultural therapy programs to teach skills such as planting, pruning, and garden care while providing therapeutic benefits.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Petals of dahlias can be dried and used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for celebrations.
- Flower Arrangement Classes: Dahlia 'Blue Wish' can be featured in flower arrangement workshops where participants learn the art of floral design.
- Symbolic Gift: Dahlias carry different meanings and can be given as thoughtful gifts that symbolize commitment, dignity, and elegance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: The Dahlia 'Blue Wish' is often associated with poise and grace, showing a kind of beauty that is sophisticated and refined.
- Change and Variety: Dahlias come in many colors and forms, symbolizing the diversity and adaptability in life.
- Commitment and Bond: Giving someone a Dahlia may symbolize a lasting commitment and a strong bond between people.
- Creativity: With its intricate petals and stunning patterns, the Dahlia can represent inner creativity and the drive to express oneself.
- Inner Strength: Dahlia flowers are particularly hardy, symbolizing the ability to stand gracefully under pressure and in challenging situations.
WaterDahlias require a consistent watering schedule to ensure their soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Typically, you should water your Dahlia 'Blue Wish' about 2-3 times a week, depending on the weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, increasing watering frequency may be necessary. Provide about 1-2 gallons of water each time you water, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage strong root growth. Reduce the amount during rainy spells to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightDahlias thrive in full sun environments where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for your Dahlia 'Blue Wish' would be in an area that is south-facing to ensure ample light exposure. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help to prevent heat stress.
TemperatureDahlias prefer temperatures that range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost. The ideal temperature conditions for a Dahlia 'Blue Wish' are consistent, mild to warm temperatures without significant fluctuations.
PruningPrune your Dahlia 'Blue Wish' to encourage better growth, larger flowers, and to maintain plant shape. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring when the plant begins to sprout new growth. Cut back the stems to about 4-6 inches above the ground at this time.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Blue Wish' flourishes in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat moss or perlite is ideal, ensuring it’s rich in organic matter to provide nutrients and retain moisture while still draining excess water.
RepottingDahlias, including Dahlia 'Blue Wish', generally need repotting yearly, best done in spring as new growth begins. Large tubers or crowded pots may require more frequent repotting to ensure enough space for growth.
Humidity & MistingDahlia 'Blue Wish' tolerates average outdoor humidity levels and does not require special humidity considerations. Protecting it from excessive moisture is necessary, particularly after watering or rain.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, shelter from wind, fertile soil, ample spacing.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA.
Life cycleDahlia 'Blue Wish', commonly known as Dahlia, begins its life cycle as a dormant tuber, which is planted in the spring after the last frost has passed. The tuber sprouts and develops into a young plant, which then develops a strong stem and leaves in a vegetative stage, drawing nutrients from the soil to support growth. As it matures, the Dahlia enters the flowering stage, where buds emerge and bloom into distinctive, vibrant flowers throughout the summer and into early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant begins to wilt and die back as temperatures drop and enters a period of dormancy in the winter months. Tubers can be left in the ground in milder climates or dug up and stored in a cool, frost-free place to overwinter. The following spring, the tubers can be replanted, thus beginning the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Dahlia 'Blue Wish' is through division, which is best performed in late winter or early spring, just before the new growing season begins. This process involves separating the tuberous roots of a mature dahlia plant. The tubers should be carefully dug up and cleaned of any soil. Each clump is cut into sections that have at least one eye, which is a point on the tuber where a new stem will grow. It's essential to use a sharp, clean knife to make the cuts to prevent disease and to ensure a clean division. The fresh cuts on the tubers are often treated with a fungicide before planting to deter rot. The divided tubers can then be planted about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, with the eye pointing upwards, and spaced about 18 to 24 inches (about 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth.
