Dahlia ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’

Dahlia ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’ is a remarkable dahlia offering a striking combination of dark blooms, moderate growth, and adaptability. Its distinct appearance, ease of cultivation, and eye-catching flowers make it a highly desirable choice for gardeners and floral designers. Whether used to enhance the beauty of a garden or as a standout in floral arrangements, ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’ continues to impress with its unique coloration and garden performance. This dahlia is featured in our top 40 must-see dahlia flowers.

Dahlia ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’ is a distinctive and unique variety in the orchid dahlia group. This type is characterized by its star-shaped flowers, a rare form that sets it apart in the world of dahlias. ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’ is particularly known for its dark, almost black, star-shaped flowers with a contrasting bright yellow center.

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 moderate growth rate and ability to fit well in various garden compositions.

Size: It generally reaches about 36 inches in height (90 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions.

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’ are its most stunning feature. They are medium-sized, usually measuring about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter. The petals are a deep, rich black, providing a dramatic contrast to the bright yellow center. The bloom’s bold coloration and simple form make it a striking and eye-catching choice.

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

Foliage: The foliage is a vibrant green, providing a complementary backdrop to its striking blooms. The leaves are typically compound, adding to the plant’s overall lush appearance.

Uses: ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’ is highly versatile and ideal for adding a touch of drama to garden landscapes and floral arrangements. Its unique dark blooms make it a popular choice for cutting gardens, and it serves as an eye-catching focal point in borders or as part of mixed beds. The plant’s dramatic appearance and compact size also make it suitable for container gardening.

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: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

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.