Decorative Dahlia
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Arabian Night Dahlia is a stunning hybrid cultivar that commands attention with its dramatic, deep coloring and formally structured blooms. This dinnerplate medium formal decorative dahlia grows to 36, 40 inches tall and reaches mature flowering in 100, 109 days, thriving across hardiness zones 3, 11. It performs as an annual in cooler zones (3, 7) and returns as a perennial in warmer climates (8, 11), offering flexible growing options for gardeners across most of North America. In full sun, this plant produces abundant, exhibition-quality flowers that make it equally at home in cutting gardens or landscape beds.
Full Sun
—
3-11
40in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
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Deep, jewel-toned blooms in a formal decorative structure set Arabian Night apart as a dahlia for serious flower enthusiasts. The plant's reliable 36, 40 inch height and compact 18-inch spacing make it manageable in most garden layouts, while its classification as a hybrid ensures consistent, vigorous growth and reliable flowering. What truly captures gardeners' attention is the sheer drama of the blooms; at full maturity around 100, 109 days, the flowers are substantial enough to dominate any arrangement or garden focal point.
Arabian Night Dahlia is grown primarily for cutting and floral display. The large, formally structured blooms are prized for fresh bouquets, wedding arrangements, and exhibition shows where their dramatic coloring and substantial form command immediate attention.
Plant tubers outdoors after the last spring frost, when soil temperature has warmed. Space tubers 18 inches apart with 24 inches between rows. In zones 3, 7, treat as an annual and plant in spring. In zones 8, 11, plant in early spring or allow established perennial plants to emerge from overwintered tubers.
Cut flowers in the early morning or evening when blooms are fully open but still firm. Use sharp, clean pruners and take stems at least 12 inches long to maximize the cut flower's vase life. For exhibition purposes, harvest flowers at their absolute peak of fullness. In zones 8, 11 where this dahlia perennializes, dig tubers in fall after the first frost has blackened the foliage, then store in a cool, dry location (50, 60°F) through winter for replanting in spring.
As a bush-type dahlia, Arabian Night benefits from early pinching to encourage a fuller, more compact shape and increased flower production. Pinch out the growing tip when the plant reaches 12 inches tall, then again when new growth reaches 12 inches. Remove any dead or diseased stems promptly. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the season to redirect energy into continuous blooming rather than seed production.
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