• Person holding a black bouquet of sam hopkins flowers in a garden setting
  • Person holding a black bouquet of sam hopkins flowers in a garden setting
  • Person holding a black bouquet of sam hopkins flowers in a garden setting
  • A cluster of dahlia tubers with dirt on the ready for planting.
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Ships Spring 2027

Dahlia Tubers (Waterlily) - Sam Hopkins

Broad, velvety petals create a lush, beautifully layered appearance

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About the Variety

New

Key Features

Heat Tolerant
Prefers Moist Soil
Container Friendly
Attracts Bees
Attracts Butterflies
Fast Growing
Easy to Grow
Perfect for Cut Flowers
Perfect for Borders
Edible

Plant Details

BOTANICAL NAME

Dahlia 'Sam Hopkins'

LIFE CYCLE

  • Perennial

SEED TYPE

  • Tuber

LIGHT REQUIREMENT

  • Full Sun

BLOOM SEASON

  • Summer through Fall

GROWTH HABIT

  • Upright

PLANT HEIGHT

  • 40 inches

PLANT TYPE

  • Waterlily

COLOR

  • Red
  • Black

Dark, dramatic, and dressed for the occasion, Dahlia Sam Hopkins brings a touch of old-world glamour to the garden. Its velvety, deep burgundy-red petals deepen to nearly black toward the center, creating a rich, luxurious appearance reminiscent of fine crushed velvet. Paired with dark foliage, these sumptuous blooms make a striking statement in garden borders and add sophisticated contrast to summer and fall bouquets.

  • • Large, waterlily blooms measure approximately four to six inches across
  • • Excellent cutting variety produces dramatic flowers
  • • Always fun to bring a near-black-colored bloom to the garden

Planting Information

PLANTING SEASON

  • Spring

SOWING METHOD

  • Direct Sow

PLANTING DEPTH

  • Deep Enough to Cover with 2 inches of Soil

WATER NEEDS

  • Average

PLANT SPACING

  • 12 to 18 inches

HARDINESS ZONES

  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11

COVERAGE

Amount Recommended Coverage
2 Bulbs / Ships in Spring Up to 0.75 Sq. Ft
4 Bulbs / Ships in Spring Up to 1.5 Sq. Ft
8 Bulbs / Ships in Spring Up to 2.75 Sq. Ft

Planting Guide

View our Dahlia Planting Guide to learn more.

Ready to Grow

We guarantee that our seeds & bulbs will be true to type and ready to thrive. If something doesn't grow as expected, we will make it right. Questions? Call us at 855-440-2929

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    Dahlia Tubers (Waterlily) - Sam Hopkins FAQs

    When do I plant dahlia tubers?

    Think of planting your dahlias when you plant your tomatoes. Plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F. In warmer climates, planting can begin earlier than in regions with colder springs.

    What is a waterlily dahlia?

    Waterlily dahlias have fully double blooms with broad, gently cupped petals arranged in a relatively flat, symmetrical shape. Their elegant appearance resembles a waterlily floating on water, giving Blue Wish its graceful flower form.

    Do dahlias need staking?

    Staking is recommended, particularly in windy locations or when plants become heavily loaded with flowers. Providing support early helps protect stems as the plant grows.

    What makes Sam Hopkins Dahlia unique?

    Sam Hopkins is a striking waterlily dahlia known for its deep burgundy-red blooms that can appear almost black in certain lighting. Its broad, gracefully arranged petals create an elegant flower with rich, dramatic coloring.

    Will dahlias come back every year?

    Dahlias are tender perennials that can overwinter in the ground in sufficiently warm climates with good drainage. In colder regions, tubers should be lifted after frost and stored in a cool, frost-free location until spring.

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