- Dahlia 'Verrone's Obsidian' is a single orchid or star dahlia with the darkest red, almost black, flowers
- With a single row of in-rolled petals, it has a sunburst-like centre which the bees absolutely adore
- Grow Verrone's Obsidian Dahlia within a mixed border or in a container, and be sure to cut some blooms for the house too as it makes an excellent, sophisticated looking cut flower
- It provides a real injection of colour into the late summer and autumn garden
- We also love this exquisite dahlia planted amongst ornamental grasses where its simple shape seems to contrast well with strap like leaves
What you need to know:
- 1 x Dahlia 'Verrone's Obsidian' (2 Tubers)
- Herbaceous perennial
- Height: 70cm
- Spread: 40cm
- Prefers full sun
- Planting time: plant when winter is completely over, when there are no signs of late night frosts. A good time to plant dahlias is between late April and mid-May
- Flowering period: July to September
- In mild areas with free-draining soil, Dahlia tubers can be left to overwinter in the ground or pots, but in colder areas lift and store to protect them from the worst winter weather. Do this as soon as the first frosts have burnt the leaves back. Then cut back the top-growth to 15cm (6in) and lift the plants from the ground. As much soil as possible is cleaned off, before trimming any straggly, fine roots. Store them in boxes of dry compost to overwinter them in the garage, although any cool but frost-free place would do. The tubers are replanted in the spring once the danger of frosts has passed
- Ensure Dahlias are watered daily during dry spells. Do not water overwinter
- From Kapiteyn