Dahlia ‘Otto’s Thrill’

Dahlia ‘Otto’s Thrill’ is a spectacular dahlia variety, offering a blend of dramatic size, soft color, and luxurious form. Its adaptability and stunning appearance make it a highly sought-after choice for gardeners and floral designers. Whether used to enhance the beauty of a garden, as a standout in floral arrangements, or as part of a competitive display, ‘Otto’s Thrill’ continues to impress with its romantic charm and horticultural excellence. This dahlia is featured in our top 40 must-see dahlia flowers.

Dahlia ‘Otto’s Thrill’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Otto’s Thrill’ is a magnificent specimen in the dinnerplate dahlia category, known for its extraordinarily large and impressive blooms. This variety stands out with its soft pink color, exuding a classic and romantic charm. Dinnerplate Dahlias are celebrated for their substantial size and showy presence.

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 valued for its strength and ability to produce numerous large blooms, making it a striking addition to any garden setting.

Size: It generally reaches about 40-44 inches in height (100-110 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions.

Flowers: The blooms of ‘Otto’s Thrill’ are the main attraction, typically measuring 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in diameter. The petals are a delicate pink, arranged in a full, rounded form that contributes to the bloom’s luxurious and opulent appearance. The soft pink color and large size of the flowers make them a favorite for those seeking elegance and drama in their garden or floral displays.

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

Foliage: The foliage is typical of dahlias, with dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the bright flowers.

Uses: Ideal for borders, beds, and as a striking feature in floral arrangements. Its vibrant blooms are also popular in cut flower gardens.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

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: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

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.