Dahlia 'Arabian Night'
Dahlia ‘Arabian Night’ is a decorative dahlia known for deep, velvety red flowers that look almost black in shade. It grows well in full sun with fertile, well‑drained soil. Blooming runs from midsummer to frost in most North American gardens. The blooms provide strong contrast in borders and mix well in bouquets. Plants are medium height and benefit from pinching and staking. The tubers are frost‑tender and need winter protection outside mild zones.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Decorative
- Height × spread: 3-4 ft × 1.5-2 ft (0.9-1.2 m × 45-60 cm)
- Bloom window: mid‑summer to frost
- Color & flower form: very dark red; double decorative
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most regions; may overwinter in ground in Zone 7 to 10 where soils are well‑drained
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Weijers, 1951, Netherlands
- Cut‑flower notes: sturdy stems; typical vase life about 4 to 6 days when properly conditioned.
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Very dark red petals provide near‑black effect compared with typical bright dahlias.
- Strong color holds in arrangements under indoor light.
- Medium stature suits borders and cutting rows.
Strengths
- Reliable midsummer start into frost with deadheading.
- Contrasting color adds depth in plantings and bouquets.
- Useful stem length for cutting.
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun; fertile, well‑drained soil; neutral to slightly acidic pH.
- Water: maintain even moisture; do not leave soil soggy.
- Feeding: moderate fertilizer; do not overapply nitrogen.
- Training: pinch once at 12 to 18 in; stake and tie; deadhead to extend bloom.
- Overwintering: lift after frost and store around 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C); in mild, well‑drained Zone 7 to 10 sites, mulched in‑ground overwintering is possible.
Watch‑outs
- Color may look black in low light and very dark in photos.
- Can slow down in extreme heat or drought.
- Frost‑tender tubers require storage outside mild zones.
Best uses (tags)
cutting; borders; late season
Provenance note
Raised by Weijers in the Netherlands and introduced in 1951.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Dahlia ‘Arabian Night’ (plant profile)
- National Dahlia Society Picture Archive – ‘ARABIAN NIGHT’ (Weijers, NL, 1951)
- NC State Extension – Dahlia (care profile)
- ASPCA – Dahlia toxicity to pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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