Dahlia Black Destiny

The 'Black Destiny' decorative Dahlia offers us one of the darkest flowers that can be found among decorative dahlias. Of medium size and well-shaped, they are filled with velvety petals that range between black, burgundy, and garnet. They are carried well above the foliage by sturdy stems, also of a dark colour. The spectacle of this flowering is constantly renewed from July until the first frost.

Dahlias are tuberous plants from the large Asteraceae family, originally native to the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the thousands of horticultural varieties created by humans have invaded, to our great pleasure, gardens all over the world. Dahlias are classified based on the shape of their flowers. 'Black Destiny' is classified in the category of decorative Dahlias. In this group, the colourful ligules of the capitulum are arranged spirally, they can be bent towards the stem or even fringed, for example. In this variety, the capitula measure 14cm (6in) in diameter and their ligules are oval, slightly concave, arranged in a very regular manner. Flowering occurs from July to October-November. The plant reaches an average height of 1.10m (4ft), and 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in width, with a bushy and erect habit. The very branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite, pinnatisect, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, which form very denticulate lobes. The leaves are dark green, sometimes tinged with purple, and the stems, particularly sturdy, are tinted with purple-brown.

To encourage flower reblooming and extend the flowering period, make sure to remove the faded flowers. Better yet, create frequent seductive colourful bouquets by combining various varieties. Decorative Dahlias pair well with Crocosmias, sages, for example, which lighten their generous silhouette. The dark flowers of 'Black Destiny' also allow for sumptuous combinations in floral compositions. The medium size of this variety makes it suitable for the centre of mixed borders, to structure an ensemble composed of shrubs with purple foliage in contrast, such as the small Cotinus 'Lilla' and Loropetalum 'Ever Red'. The flowering of Echinaceas is perfect to accompany that of Dahlias, as they bloom simultaneously. Also consider golden grasses like Stipa, Panicum, or Miscanthus that take on beautiful autumnal hues.

As a star plant in cottage gardens, Dahlias are undoubtedly beautiful flowers. They are impeccable in flower beds, but can also enhance vegetable gardens. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was initially cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. Its poor taste quickly relegated it to the rank of ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.