Dahlia ‘Chat Noir’

Dahlia ‘Chat Noir’ is an exceptional dahlia variety, offering a blend of dramatic color, spiky form, and robust growth. Its adaptability and striking appearance make it a highly desired choice for gardeners and floral designers. Whether used to enhance the beauty of a garden, as a standout in floral arrangements, or as part of a competitive display, ‘Chat Noir’ continues to impress with its deep, luxurious blooms and horticultural excellence.

Dahlia ‘Chat Noir’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Chat Noir’ is an exquisite variety in the semi-cactus dahlia group, celebrated for its striking, deep red to almost black flowers. This dahlia type is characterized by its long, narrow petals that are somewhat curled or twisted, giving the bloom a spiky, dramatic appearance that is typical of Cactus Dahlias.

Native: Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America. This cultivar results from extensive breeding and does not occur naturally in the wild.

Plant Type and Habit: This dahlia is a tuberous-rooted perennial with a bushy, upright growth habit. This variety is appreciated for its robust growth and ability to produce a large number of blooms.

Size: It generally reaches about 48 inches in height (120 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions.

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Chat Noir’ are its most captivating feature. They are large, often measuring 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter. The petals are a deep, rich red, appearing almost black, which adds a sense of mystery and elegance. The spiky form of the bloom, combined with its dark color, makes it a dramatic and eye-catching addition to any garden or floral arrangement.

Bloom Time: Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost it provides long-lasting color in the garden.

Foliage: The foliage is a lush green, providing a fresh and vibrant backdrop for its colorful blooms. The leaves are compound and arranged symmetrically along the stems, contributing to the plant’s overall healthy and full appearance.

Uses: ‘Chat Noir’ is incredibly versatile and ideal for both garden use and floral arrangements. Its striking blooms and strong stems make it a popular choice for cutting gardens. In landscaping, it serves as an eye-catching focal point in borders or can be used to create a dramatic impact in mixed beds. The plant’s striking appearance also makes it suitable for container planting.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Hardiness: Dahlias are hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder zones, tubers need to be lifted and stored over winter.

Toxicity: Dahlias are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Their ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other health issues in pets and livestock.

Wildlife: While visually stunning, the complex petal structure of this dahlia makes it more difficult for pollinators to access the nectar and pollen. It is less effective in attracting pollinators than single-flowered or open-centered dahlia types.

Deer and Rabbit: Dahlias are somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits but may still be vulnerable to browsing.

Invasiveness: Not invasive; dahlias grow from tubers and do not spread aggressively.

Dahlia Growing Tips

Light: Dahlias love the sun, so choose a location with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil: Dahlias prefer well-drained, loamy soil. They don’t tolerate water-logged conditions, so if your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

Planting Time: Dahlias are usually planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Planting Depth: Dahlia tubers should be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, with the “eye” (the small bump from where the stem will grow) facing upward.

Watering: Dahlias like consistent moisture. Water them deeply a couple of times a week, more often if your area is experiencing a drought. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing: Dahlias respond well to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush, leafy growth and fewer flowers.

Deadheading: Regularly removing the spent flowers (deadheading) will keep your dahlias producing more blooms.

Overwintering: In colder climates (zones 7 and below), you’ll need to dig up and store the tubers indoors over the winter.

Pests and Diseases: Dahlias are generally relatively disease and pest-resistant, but there are a few common issues to watch out such as aphids, botrytis blight, earwigs, powdery mildew, slugs and snails, spider mites, and thrips.