Black Dahlia: The Darkest Dahlia Varieties and How to Use Them
A black dahlia is a dahlia with flowers so dark red or purple that they look almost black; a truly black pigment does not exist in dahlias. The darkest varieties, such as 'Karma Choc', 'Black Narcissus', 'Arabian Night' and 'Chat Noir', are deep maroon or chocolate-burgundy that reads as black in shade and glows wine-red in sunlight.
In our Saint Petersburg shops, open since 2011, customers ask about black dahlias every late summer: which varieties are really the darkest, whether they suit a gift, and how long they last in a vase. This article collects those answers in one place. The name is also known as the nickname of a famous unsolved 1947 Los Angeles case and the film based on it, but here we deal only with the flower.
Is there a truly black dahlia
Dahlias have no gene for true black. What breeders have done is concentrate anthocyanins, the same red and purple pigments found in red cabbage and blackberries, so densely that the petals absorb most of the light. On a cloudy day or in a vase away from the window the flower looks black; held up to the sun, it shows dark red, plum or chocolate tones.
The effect also depends on the petal surface. Velvety, matte petals look darker than glossy ones, and the colour is deepest in the centre of the bloom and in buds that are just opening. As a flower ages it often fades slightly towards burgundy at the outer petals.
Some gardeners use the phrase black dahlia for varieties with dark foliage instead, such as 'Bishop of Llandaff' with scarlet flowers over almost black leaves. When you ask a florist for a black dahlia, it is worth saying whether you mean the flower colour or the leaves, because the two give very different bouquets.
The darkest dahlia varieties
'Karma Choc' is a decorative dahlia with dark chocolate-maroon flowers about 10 to 12 cm across on strong stems, bred specifically for cutting, so it is one of the most reliable dark dahlias in a vase. 'Arabian Night' has slightly smaller, deep blackish-red flowers and has been a favourite in gardens for decades. 'Black Narcissus' is a cactus dahlia with rolled, pointed petals in near-black red, which gives a spiky, dramatic outline.
'Chat Noir' is a semi-cactus variety with very dark velvety petals, and 'Black Jack' is another semi-cactus type with almost black red flowers. Among the large dinnerplate types, 'Rip City' is popular for its deep burgundy blooms that can reach 15 to 20 cm. For small flowers, the ball and pompon types such as 'Downham Royal' come in dark purple-red shades.
Names vary between countries and catalogues, and the same plant can be sold under two names. When choosing, look at photos taken in natural light rather than studio shots, which often make dark dahlias look blacker than they will appear on your table.
Bouquets we can deliver
What dark dahlias mean and when to give them
Dahlias in general are associated with dignity, elegance and lasting commitment; in Victorian flower language they were given to mark a bond or an important promise. Very dark dahlias add a sense of depth and mystery, which is why stylists use them for autumn weddings, evening events and bouquets for people who dislike pastel colours.
Customers sometimes ask whether near-black flowers are appropriate for a birthday or only for mourning. In Russian etiquette the meaning of a bouquet is set more by the number of stems than by the colour: an odd number is for celebrations, an even number for funerals and remembrance. A bouquet of five or seven dark burgundy dahlias with lighter flowers is a normal festive gift.
For a mourning or memorial bouquet, dark dahlias combined with white chrysanthemums or white roses are a dignified choice. In this case use an even number of stems and keep the arrangement restrained, without bright ribbons.
Season and care of cut dahlias
In central Russia and around Saint Petersburg dahlias flower outdoors from about late July until the first frosts, usually in late September or October. That is the main window when dark dahlias appear in bouquets. Our articles on dahlias in Russia as late-summer blooms and dahlia season, varieties and timing cover the season in more detail.
Dahlias do not continue opening after cutting, so stems are cut when the flower is almost fully open but the back petals are still firm. Many florists dip the freshly cut ends in very hot water for about 30 seconds before putting them into cool water; this seals the hollow stem and helps it drink. At home, re-cut 1 to 2 cm from the stem and change the water every day.
A cut dahlia lasts on average 4 to 6 days, which is shorter than a rose, so plan to give them fresh rather than days in advance. Keep the vase in a cool room away from radiators and direct sun, remove leaves below the waterline, and do not put dahlias next to fruit. Dark varieties show wilting less obviously than pale ones, so check the firmness of the outer petals rather than the colour.
Growing black dahlias in a garden
Dahlias grow from tubers that are not frost hardy. In the Saint Petersburg climate tubers are planted out in late May or early June once the soil has warmed, often after being started in pots indoors in April. They need full sun, rich soil and regular watering in summer; tall varieties need staking from the start.
After the first frost blackens the foliage, the tubers are lifted, dried for a few days and stored in a cool, frost-free place at about 5 to 8 C, in peat, sawdust or dry sand. Dark varieties often colour best in cooler late-summer weather, so the September flowers can look darker than those of July. Regular cutting of open flowers keeps the plant producing new buds until the end of the season.
Ordering a bouquet with dark flowers
Dahlias are seasonal, and from November until next summer other dark flowers give the same effect: burgundy roses, dark calla lilies, deep red ranunculus and dark foliage. Browse our bouquets catalogue, and if you need a specific colour scheme or want to check whether dark dahlias are available on your date, call us on 8 (812) 507-67-05.
We deliver across Russia. City delivery costs 500 RUB; for remote districts and suburbs the operator confirms the price when confirming the order. In large cities express delivery takes 1 to 2 hours after confirmation, and you can also choose an exact time with plus or minus 30 minutes, a window of 09-12, 12-15, 15-18 or 18-21, or a pre-order 1 to 30 days ahead. In Saint Petersburg delivery runs around the clock.
Delivery is anonymous by default and a card with your text is free. The courier calls the recipient about 15 minutes before arrival, and if nobody is at home we agree a second delivery the same day or leave the bouquet with a neighbour or concierge with your consent. You can pay online by bank card, SBP or Yandex Pay; foreign bank cards are accepted through Robokassa. Full conditions are on the delivery and payment page.
Frequently asked questions
Do black dahlias really exist?
No dahlia is truly black. The darkest varieties are deep maroon or chocolate-red and only look black in low light.
What is the darkest dahlia variety?
'Karma Choc', 'Arabian Night', 'Black Narcissus' and 'Chat Noir' are among the darkest. 'Karma Choc' is the most dependable as a cut flower.
How long does a cut dahlia last?
Usually 4 to 6 days. Change the water daily, re-cut the stems and keep the vase cool.
Can dark dahlias be given for a birthday?
Yes. In Russia the occasion is set by the number of stems, so give an odd number for celebrations and mix dark dahlias with lighter flowers.
When are dahlias available in Saint Petersburg?
From about late July until the first frosts in autumn. Outside that season, dark roses and calla lilies give a similar look.
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