Dahlias are half hardy, so keep them protected from frost. Pot tubers individually between February and April and grow them on in a greenhouse or bright indoor position. Alternatively, start them outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
Out of season
Deluxe
Dahlia
'Octopus Sparkle'
Dive deep into the realms of quirky dahlias and you’ll find wonders like Dahlia 'Octopus Sparkle'. The coral-coloured blooms of this splashy variety take the formation of both an orchid-type and an anemone-type dahlia. This clever cross results in an intriguing flower shape, and it’s the elongated narrow petals which give this octopus its tentacles. The ruffled dome of sparkling yellow and red petals completes the appearance of a shimmering sea creature. This bright and scintillating dahlia looks fantastic in a hot-colour or tropical-themed border.
As with all dahlias, Dahlia 'Octopus Sparkle' will bloom all summer long and continue with a big colour hit well into autumn. You can pair it with leafy plants like cannas and colocasias to introduce a bold colour accent to a lush jungle theme, or grow it in borders among other summer blooms—Dahlia 'Octopus Sparkle' looks particularly good with a purple-flowered neighbour like Salvia 'Caradonna' or Verbena bonariensis, and of course with other fiery shades. These bright blooms can also be used to make fun boho bouquets—there’ll be plenty to pick so be sure to bring some exotic colour indoors to enjoy too!
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
For planting out later, use a snug-fitting 15–20cm pot filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. For a patio display, plant directly into a container at least 30cm wide and keep it somewhere bright and frost free until it can move outdoors.
Position the old stem facing upwards, with the tubers covered and the stem stump level with the compost. Tubers naturally vary in size and shape and may arrive without visible buds. Bent necks are usually fine if they remain firmly attached, so do not remove them.
Water after planting, then allow the compost to become almost dry before watering again while the tuber remains dormant. Once shoots and leaves are growing strongly, water more regularly, always allowing excess water to drain away.
Plant out after the last frost, once the plant is around 20–30cm tall and its roots hold the compost together. Space dahlias approximately 30–50cm apart in borders, allowing less room for compact varieties. Water thoroughly after planting.
Water regularly during active growth and deadhead or cut flowers often. Dahlias usually bloom from July or August until the first frost, although later-planted tubers may start in late August or September. In autumn, lift, clean and dry the tubers, then store them somewhere cool, dry, airy and frost free.
- Botanical name
- Dahlia 'Octopus Sparkle'
- Flower colour
- Red, yellow
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower Gardens
Wildlife gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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