High Country Gardens
Otto's Thrill Dinnerplate Dahlia
Best statement flower for gardeners seeking dramatic, long-lasting summer color.
The 'Otto's Thrill' Dinnerplate Dahlia is a stunning, award-winning variety that brings vibrant color to your garden from summer until the first frost. It produces impressive luminous pink flowers, often reaching 8 to 10 inches in diameter, making a bold statement. This tall dahlia requires staking for support and is ideal for the back of borders or as dramatic cut flowers. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, compost-enriched soil. While perennial in warmer zones (8-10), tubers should be stored over winter in cooler climates for spring planting.
$12.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
726
/ 3183
#726 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-45%
Below average
Ships As
Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber
/ Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic, high-impact focal point
- Floral designers wanting a steady supply of impressive cut flowers
- Landscapers looking for vibrant, sun-resistant color
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance, year-round outdoor plants
- Casual growers preferring plants that require no structural support
- Hands-off gardeners who dislike frequent pest monitoring
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Massive ten-inch blooms create an undeniable focal point in any garden.
Bloom Longevity
Continuous flowering from early summer through the first frost provides lasting color.
Pollinator Appeal
Bright, nectar-rich petals are highly effective at drawing butterflies and hummingbirds.
Maintenance Effort
Requires consistent staking and winter tuber storage in colder climate zones.
Floral Utility
Sturdy stems and dramatic size make these perfect for professional-grade arrangements.
Growth Versatility
Adapts well to both garden borders and large, well-drained patio containers.
Key Specs
Ships As
Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber
Mature Height
40-44 inches tall
Hardiness Zones
3-11
Planting Depth
1-2 inches below soil line
Spacing
1 tuber per square foot
Soil Requirements
Compost enriched, well-drained soil
Flower Size
8-to-10-inch flowers
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10
Features
- Blooms continuously from summer to frost
- Award-winning variety
- Spectacular 8-10 inch blooms
- Excellent for cut flowers
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Easy to grow in full sun
- Suitable for containers
- Vibrant luminous pink flowers
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the spectacular design and sheer scale of Otto's Thrill. Reviewers frequently highlight the massive, vibrant blooms that truly live up to the Dinnerplate name, making a dramatic statement in the garden. The quality of the tubers is also a recurring positive theme, with many noting reliable sprouting and vigorous growth, confirming this dahlia is a dependable showstopper that delivers exceptional garden impact.
Know before you buy
The 'Otto's Thrill' is a true dinnerplate dahlia, producing impressive, luminous pink blooms that typically measure between 8 and 10 inches in diameter.
Yes, because these dahlias grow to a mature height of 40 to 45 inches and produce very large, heavy blooms, they require staking to keep the stems upright and prevent them from snapping in the wind.
Yes, they are container-friendly. Ensure you use a large, deep pot with excellent drainage and high-quality, compost-enriched potting soil to support their size and nutritional needs.
In zones 8-10, they can remain in the ground as perennials. In cooler climates, you must dig up the tubers after the first frost, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry place over the winter to replant in the spring.
For the best performance and continuous flowering from summer until frost, this variety requires a location that receives full sun, which is at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Absolutely. Their long, sturdy stems and massive, vibrant blooms make them an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, providing a dramatic focal point in any vase.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$13