Kari Blue Waterlily Dahlia

Kari Blue is an enchanting lavender Waterlily dahlia with soft, gracefully layered petals and an almost luminous quality in the garden. Its cool lavender coloring can shift subtly with the light, creating hints of silvery lilac and soft blue-purple that give this variety its dreamy appearance. The broad, gently curved petals create the classic floating Waterlily silhouette, making Kari Blue an especially beautiful choice for gardeners who love romantic, softer color palettes.

Details

• Form: Waterlily (WL)
• Bloom Size: Approximately 3–4 inches
• Plant Height: Tall — approximately 4–4.5 feet
• Stem Strength: Strong to Moderate
• Unicorn Status: Rare
• Primary Color: Lavender
• Secondary Color: Silvery Lilac / Blue-Purple
• ADS Classification: 7308
• Plant ID: 4962

A Bit of History

Kari Blue was introduced by D. Smythe in 1995 and is associated with New Zealand. It is officially classified as a Waterlily dahlia, with the American Dahlia Society classification 7308, identifying it as a lavender Waterlily.

Despite its name, Kari Blue isn't a true blue dahlia. Instead, its cool lavender coloring and silvery undertones can create a beautiful blue-lavender impression, particularly in softer evening light. Its unusual coloring combined with its elegant Waterlily form has helped make Kari Blue a sought-after variety among collectors and gardeners looking for something a little different.

Ideal For

• Cutting Gardens – Elegant blooms bring beautiful cool tones to arrangements.
• Wedding & Event Florals – Gorgeous for romantic lavender, blush, white, and pastel palettes.
• Cottage Gardens – Its soft Waterlily form blends beautifully with informal garden plantings.
• Collector Gardens – A wonderful addition for growers searching for harder-to-find lavender varieties.

Pairs Well With

Kari Blue looks especially beautiful alongside Sweet Nathalie, whose blush coloring softens its cool lavender tones; Bloomquist Blush for a romantic pastel combination; or a creamy-white variety such as White Nettie for a clean, sophisticated contrast.

For mixed garden plantings, pair it with white lisianthus, blush cosmos, feverfew, or silvery foliage to emphasize Kari Blue's dreamy lavender coloring.