Verrone’s Obsidian Black Dahlia

Verrone’s Obsidian Black Dahlia is a striking and unique variety of dahlia, known for its deep, dark, almost black flowers that feature an intense, velvety texture. The stunning contrast of its dark blooms against its lush green foliage makes this dahlia a showstopper in any garden. Known for being a dinnerplate-type dahlia, it features large, dramatic blooms that can reach up to 6 to 8 inches in diameter, making it an excellent choice for floral arrangements or as a focal point in the garden.

Overview

Botanical Name: Dahlia ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’
Common Name: Verrone’s Obsidian Black Dahlia
Type: Tubers (perennial, but grown as an annual in many regions)
Flower Color: Deep, dark purple-black
Blooming Season: Summer to fall (July through September)
Height: Typically 3 to 4 feet (91-122 cm)
Spread: 18 to 24 inches (46-61 cm)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10, but grown as an annual in colder regions (zones 3-7)
Flower Size: 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in diameter
Plant Type: Upright, bushy, with dark foliage and large blooms

Description

Verrone’s Obsidian Black Dahlia is famous for its dark, almost black flowers that possess a unique richness, with shades ranging from deep purple to maroon, sometimes with an almost iridescent sheen. The blooms have a velvety texture with rich, glossy petals. These dahlias are classified as dinnerplate dahlias, meaning they feature large blooms that are perfect for cut flower arrangements.

The plant itself is upright, bushy, and sturdy, reaching a height of 3 to 4 feet. Its dark, dramatic foliage enhances the deep tones of the flowers, creating a contrasting effect that highlights the beauty of the blooms. When grown in a garden, these dahlias can serve as a focal point, adding depth and elegance to the landscape.

Care Guide

Dahlias, including Verrone’s Obsidian, are relatively easy to grow but require certain conditions to flourish. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure that your plant grows healthily and produces beautiful, dark flowers.

1. Light Requirements

Dahlias, including Verrone’s Obsidian, thrive in full sun. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce their best blooms.

Full Sun: The more sunlight your dahlia receives, the better the flower production will be.
Partial Shade: In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial, as it helps protect the plant from heat stress.

2. Soil Requirements

Verrone’s Obsidian Dahlias prefer well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. They are not too fussy about soil pH but prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0).

Soil Type: Well-draining soil is a must, as dahlia tubers are susceptible to rot in poorly draining soils. Raised beds or amended garden soil are ideal.
Soil Texture: Loamy, sandy, or slightly clayey soil works best, but it should be amended with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

3. Watering

Dahlias like consistent moisture, but they do not tolerate standing water or soggy soil.

Watering Frequency: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells, but ensure the soil is well-drained. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper and the plant to become more resilient.
Avoid Overwatering: Make sure to water the base of the plant rather than the foliage to avoid fungal diseases. Be sure to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

4. Temperature and Humidity

Verrone’s Obsidian Dahlia thrives in warm conditions but is not frost-tolerant.

Ideal Temperature: Dahlias grow best in temperatures between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during the growing season.
Frost Sensitivity: They are not frost-hardy, so in cooler climates, you may need to dig up the tubers before the first frost to store them for the winter.
Humidity: Dahlias like moderate humidity. Too much humidity or wet conditions can encourage mildew and rot.

5. Fertilization

Dahlias are heavy feeders, and regular fertilization will help them produce large, healthy blooms.

Fertilizer Type: Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer, such as a balanced 10-20-10 or 5-10-10 NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium). Phosphorus encourages blooms, while nitrogen promotes healthy foliage growth.
Fertilizing Schedule: Start fertilizing when planting the tubers, and continue throughout the growing season. Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to ensure the plant is well-nourished.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much nitrogen can result in lush foliage but fewer blooms, so be careful not to overdo it.

6. Pruning

Pruning helps keep the plant strong and encourages more flowers.

Pinching: In early spring, when the dahlia shoots begin to grow, pinch off the tips of the shoots to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage more blooming. This also helps the plant maintain a tidy appearance.
Cutting Back: After the blooming season, you can cut back the plant to the ground. In cold climates, dig up the tubers and store them for the winter.

7. Support and Staking

Because of their large, heavy blooms, dahlia plants like Verrone’s Obsidian may require staking to keep them upright and prevent them from falling over.

Staking: Use stakes or a cage to support the plant as it grows. This is especially important as the flower heads become larger and heavier, which can cause the stems to bend or break.
Tie the Stems: As the plant grows taller, tie the stems to the stakes with soft twine or plant ties.

8. Pest and Disease Management

Verrone’s Obsidian Dahlias are relatively pest-resistant, but like all dahlias, they can still face a few issues.

Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and snails, which may damage the plant. Insecticidal soap or a gentle spray of water can help control aphids. Slugs and snails can be controlled with traps or by removing them manually.
Diseases: Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis (gray mold) can affect dahlias. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce moisture on the leaves and flowers.

9. Winter Care

Verrone’s Obsidian Dahlia is not frost-hardy, so it’s important to prepare for winter if you live in colder climates.

Overwintering: In zones where frost occurs (zones 3-7), the tubers should be dug up after the first frost. Allow the tubers to dry for a few days before storing them in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage, until spring.
Mulching: In warmer zones (zones 8-10), you may be able to leave the tubers in the ground, but it’s still a good idea to mulch around the plant to protect it from light frost.

10. Propagation

Dahlias are typically propagated by dividing the tubers in the spring.

Division: In the spring, before planting, you can divide the dahlia tubers into sections with at least one eye per section. Replant these tubers in fresh soil to grow new plants.
From Seed: While it is possible to grow dahlias from seed, it is more common to propagate them through tuber division, as this preserves the characteristics of the parent plant.

Companion Plants

Verrone’s Obsidian Dahlia pairs well with a variety of garden plants due to its dark, dramatic flowers. Consider planting it alongside:

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) for a complementary color contrast
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) for similar growth habits and pollinator attraction
Autumn Joy Sedum (Sedum spectabile ‘Vera Higgins’) for late-season color

These plants provide color and texture contrast while complementing the dark, velvety blooms of Verrone’s Obsidian Dahlia.

Conclusion

Verrone’s Obsidian Black Dahlia is a striking, dramatic plant that adds elegance and intrigue to any garden. Its deep, velvety blooms and upright form make it a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to create a statement in their landscapes. With the right care, including proper sunlight, soil, and watering, this dahlia can thrive and produce beautiful flowers throughout the summer and fall. Whether used in floral arrangements or as a centerpiece in the garden, Verrone’s Obsidian Dahlia is sure to be a showstopper.