Decorative Dahlia
Black Satin Dahlia is a striking decorative dahlia that commands attention with its deep burgundy-black, velvety petals arranged in formal, flat-tipped double blooms. This vigorous cultivar reaches 5 feet tall and produces 4-inch flowers starting around 80 to 100 days after planting, thriving in full sun within hardiness zones 8-8. Its upright growth habit and rich coloring make it a standout choice for late-summer and fall gardens when dahlias truly shine.
12-18 inches apart
Full Sun
Moderate
8-8
?in H x ?in W
Perennial
Moderate
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Few dahlias capture the drama of Black Satin quite like this one. The velvety texture of its burgundy-black petals is almost tactile, creating blooms with a jewel-like quality that photograph beautifully and command a room. Its vigorous, upright growth means it fills space generously without sprawling, and the 4-inch formal double flowers arrive reliably around 80 to 100 days after planting, giving you weeks of cutting material as the season deepens.
Black Satin Dahlia is grown primarily as a cut flower and ornamental garden specimen. Its dramatic, formal double blooms and rich coloring make it exceptional for floral arrangements, especially in late-summer and autumn compositions where its deep tones add sophistication and depth. The long stems and sturdy upright growth habit produce excellent stems for cutting.
Plant dahlia tubers directly outdoors in late spring when soil temperatures have reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Timing should align with your local last frost date—in the Northeast, this window typically opens around mid-May and closes around mid-June. Frost will kill the plants, so wait until nighttime temperatures are reliably warm before planting.
Pinching back the growing tips early in the season will encourage bushier growth and more blooms, though Black Satin's naturally vigorous and upright habit means it fills space well on its own. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continued blooming throughout the season.
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